Daniel Farke apologises to Leeds fans after cup exit at Sheffield Wednesday

Daniel Farke said he was embarrassed and apologised to Leeds fans after his side crashed out of the Carabao Cup on penalties against Sheffield Wednesday.

The Owls won the shoot-out 3-0 at a virtually empty Hillsborough after Leeds substitute Jayden Bogle had cancelled out goalkeeper Karl Darlow’s second-half own goal.

Leeds’ stunning upset was compounded by Ao Tanaka’s knee injury, with Farke revealing the absent Japan midfielder will be out until after the international break after damaging MCL ligaments in Saturday’s defeat at Arsenal.

Farke said after his side’s second-round exit: “We have to take all of the criticism and we are self-critical because out of all the chances we should put four or five goals to bed.

“It’s always a bit annoying and you feel a bit embarrassed as a Premier League side, but we have been involved in so many games on this level, especially in the cup – this is why there are so many surprises and shock results.

“Even the team in the lower league can win such a game. Today was one of those days and congratulations to Sheffield Wednesday.”

When asked for his message to Leeds fans, Farke said: “You can feel for them. We’re sorry anyhow. We feel a bit embarrassed that we don’t go through in such a game. We can just say ‘sorry’ because they made the trip and wanted to celebrate.”

Wednesday captain Barry Bannan converted the first penalty in the shoot-out and Ike Ugbo and Liam Palmer also hit the target, while saved efforts from Leeds pair Joel Piroe and Sean Longstaff sandwiched Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s miss.

On Tanaka’s lay-off, Farke added: “It’s quite similar to Ethan Ampadu’s injury.

“Of course it’s tough to take. Two of our key players in central midfield positions are out within a few days, but