EFL make official decision on Darren Williams after Leeds United controversy

Darren Williams has stolen a lot of Leeds United headlines following the Whites’ win at Middlesbrough on Tuesday night. Needless to say, he’s not stolen headlines for the right reasons.

Darren Williams has become a villain among Leeds United fans following the 1-0 win over Middlesbrough on Tuesday night.

The positives of that night was that the win lifted Leeds United all the way from 3rd into 1st place of the Championship table after both Burnley and Sheffield United dropped points on the same night.

It’s lifted a lot of pressure that was building on both the players and on manager Daniel Farke, who may have been left feeling slightly foolish after he said Leeds United will 100% be promoted this season.

That statement may yet come true but Farke will hope for no more woeful refereeing calls. Williams ruled out Ao Tanaka’s goal against Middlesbrough and Patrick Bamford’s too, with Farke criticising the officials after the game.

It was then revealed that Williams has cost Leeds United goals already this season; now three in the last two months.

EFL demote Darren Williams after Leeds United controversy

The EFL appointments are out for the weekend’s fixtures. And Leeds United fans will be delighted to know that Williams isn’t on the list of officials for their game, nor is he on the list of officials of any other Championship game over the course of the weekend.

In fact, he’s been demoted to League One for what will be just the fourth time this season. Williams has officiated 35 Championship games so far in 2024/25 and the EFL’s decision to put him in League One after the controversies of Tuesday night might be purely coincidence, or it could be in reaction to his awful performance that night.