FANS HAVE COMPLETELY LOST IT ON TANAKA AFTER REFEREE REVEALS WHAT TANAKA SAID TO HIM

Chaos erupted at Elland Road today as Leeds United fell to a 2–1 home defeat against Aston Villa, but amid the upheaval, it’s Ao Tanaka who has found himself at the eye of a furious storm. Leeds’ misery compounded after reports emerged that the referee publicly revealed something Tanaka said to him — and supporters are absolutely livid.

Leeds had grabbed an early lead through Lukas Nmecha, bundling in after a scramble in the box, and looked in control for much of the first half. But everything unraveled after halftime. Villa came roaring back thanks to a second-half double from Morgan Rogers — first a neat flicked finish in the 48th minute, then a sensational free-kick in the 75th minute to seal the win.

Incredibly, the turning point that’s really inflamed Leeds’ fanbase didn’t come from a defensive blunder or a lapse in concentration — it came from midfield. Midway through the game, Anton Stach went down awkwardly and was forced off, with Tanaka brought on in his place. But it was Tanaka’s very next involvement that has triggered an angry backlash.

Referee Rob Jones, according to live commentary and multiple reports, issued Tanaka a yellow card soon after he came on — but not just for a tackle. Jones apparently revealed what Tanaka had said to him: after a hard sliding challenge on Villa’s Kamara, the referee blew his whistle, booked Tanaka, and, as reported, let the stadium hear what was said.

That disclosure is what has truly set Leeds fans off. Social media exploded with outrage after watching the live commentary, where viewers claimed the referee audibly said on his mic or to those around him what Tanaka had said: something dismissive, something disrespectful. Whether it was bravado, tension, or a moment of frustration — the board at Elland Road is now being flooded with calls for action.

Supporters feel betrayed. They argue that Tanaka, who was once praised for his composure and tenacity, has crossed a line. Some are demanding a public apology. Others want the club’s hierarchy to consider disciplinary measures. On forums and Twitter, comments like “not the way to represent Leeds United”, “totally unacceptable behavior”, and “he cost us respect + points” have been circulating.

But it’s not just the quote that’s amplifying the anger—it’s the context. Leeds have now lost five of their last six Premier League matches, and the sense of panic is growing. Their midfield has looked increasingly shaky, their tactical discipline questionable, and their squad low on confidence. The arrival of Tanaka earlier in the campaign was hailed as a statement — a sign Leeds were building something solid in central midfield. Now, fans say, that foundation is cracking.

Adding fuel to the fire is the wider fallout from the loss: boos raining down at full time, chants demanding substitutions during the second half, and mounting pressure on manager Daniel Farke to respond.

Some feel Tanaka has been scapegoated — arguing that the defeat was the result of collective failure rather than one individual misstep. Others don’t care: to them, the issue isn’t just the result — it’s the disrespect. If what Tanaka supposedly said to the referee is true, they claim it displays how far he’s drifted from the club’s fighting identity.

For Leeds United, the fallout from this one might not just be about three points lost. It could mark a moment of destabilization — where a key player loses the trust of the fans in a way that puts real pressure on both the locker room and the boardroom. With tougher fixtures looming, the mood at Elland Road may be shifting fast, and many fans now feel Tanaka’s future could depend not only on his performances — but on whether he can repair the damage done off the ball.