Ref justice does not prove costly for Farke

Farke could afford to forgive Geoff Eltringham after failing to spot a first half handball involving Ben Godfrey, and later when Max Aarons was upended in the Terriers’ box.

The City head coach was visibly furious in his technical area in the aftermath of a second rejected spot kick, but Adam Idah slotted an 80th minute winner.

“It was the first time in my coaching career that straight after a game the referee apologised to me for not awarding two clear penalties. Fair play to him,” he said. “It says a lot about his character to be that self-critical. It didn’t help us during the game, but we showed a great mentality.

“The first was a clear handball.

Adam Idah celebrates his winner after coming on as a substitute against Huddersfield. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images (Image: Paul Chesterton)

“He apologised especially for the second one, which was also clear. Whether anybody told him or he just realised at the end of the game I don’t know. But it says a lot about his personality.

“Then it is not a problem for me. Sometimes he can be at an angle on the pitch where he cannot see everything clearly. We all do mistakes. I do, my players do. We miss chances, we score own goals. No accusations from me.

“I wish for such a relationship between referees and clubs. We are all just human beings.”

Second half substitute Idah responded to a verbal blast from Farke for a lack of focus at training on his return from a landmark international break with the Republic of Ireland.

“Adam will be a bit in the spotlight now and he deserves this as he is a brilliant lad,” said Farke. “But I will tell you a secret. I was not happy with Adam’s performances in training during the week and there was a proper outburst from me.

“I didn’t have the feeling he was focused enough after being in the spotlight with the Republic of Ireland.

“I asked for more concentration and more discipline. But I showed him some trust and I said to him he has to bounce back and prove my trust.

“Also after this game Michael McGovern said he had spoken to him and told him he had to respond on the pitch.

“The manner our experienced players influence this group is great. To show this from the first game day pleases me.”