Head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup refused to blame referee Matt Donohue for Norwich City's 2-0 defeat to Leeds United. The visitors were left frustrated after Donohue elected not to send Ao Tanaka off after the break.

Tanaka, already on a yellow card, scythed down Emiliano Marcondes as the Canaries threatened a second half fightback after going behind in the first minute to a Manor Solomon strike. The Japan international avoided a second booking and was subbed off moments later by United manager Daniel Farke and replaced by Ilia Gruev.

Thorup and his backroom team were left fuming over Donohue's decision and remonstrated to the fourth official. "I had a word with the referee afterwards; I needed an explanation," said Thorup. "It was a big call.

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"Leeds were the better side. That decision is not the reason we lost tonight."

Goals either side of half-time from Solomon and Daniel James condemned the Canaries to a second defeat in Yorkshire in the space of five days. It is now just one victory on the road in their past 11 Championship away matches.

Thorup said: "A difficult one. We didn't get off to the best start. After that, we showed some good courage. It was game where we had to defend a lot and not open up too much.

"They found spaces to provoke us. My players did what they could. It's fair to say we are not in a position to go away against Leeds and say we need to win.

Norwich have now won just two of their last 12 away league games against Leeds United (D3 L7).