Warnock rounds on ref as Leeds shoot themselves in foot

The United manager looked on in frustration as an injury-time header from Michael Keane held Leeds to a 1-1 draw at the King Power Stadium, denying United a rare away victory at the death.

Sam Byram’s 54th-minute goal had earlier put the Yorkshire club on course for a first Championship win outside Elland Road since December 1, a result which would have lifted Warnock’s squad to within four points of a play-off position.

But Keane found the net with three minutes of injury-time played, leaving Warnock to bemoan an equaliser which brought back memories of the 93rd-minute leveller conceded by Leeds at Wolverhampton Wanderers last month.

Warnock said: “Anyone can beat anyone in this league but we’ve thrown points away. This game, Wolves away, Middlesbrough away last month – we’ve thrown points away left, right and centre these last few weeks.

“We played some great football and it was a great team performance.

“All round I was delighted. Leicester and Nigel will be very pleased to come out of that with a point and we’re bound to be disappointed. We didn’t deserve to concede.”

Warnock reserved his criticism for referee Paul Tierney, insisting the Lancashire official failed to spot two fouls in the build-up to the corner which presented Keane with his late chance.

“I’ve got to be careful what I say but I was disappointed with the consistency,” said Warnock, whose side lie 10th in the table ahead of Saturday’s clash at in-form Crystal Palace, who beat Hull City 4-2 last night.

“We should have had two free-kicks for fouls when they scored. Where’s the consistency? That’s all I ask for.

“We’ve got to get on with Saturday now and we’ve got six out of our last 10 games at home after Saturday so we’ll see what happens. Leicester away then Palace away – I wouldn’t wish that on anybody.”

Leicester’s own bid for promotion is faltering badly after one win from six league matches but manager Nigel Pearson said: “I’m pleased to get something out of the game and to score so late. I think we deserved it.”

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