Leeds 1-1 West Brom: Hosts fight back through Luke Ayling after Brandon Thomas-Asante seized the lead for the Baggies with a missed handball call… with fans at Elland Road venting at wantaway striker Willy Gnonto

Daniel Farke admitted the challenge of rebuilding Leeds United is “a hell of a task” during an emotionally charged evening at Elland Road.

Brandon Thomas-Asante hit a controversial opener in the 52nd minute when Jayson Molumby’s shot ricocheted off his hand – but with no VAR in the Championship, the goal stood.

Still, Daniel Farke’s men – cheered on by their boisterous crowd – got the equalizer they deserved on 18 minutes when the impressive Dan James crossed from the left and captain Luke Ayling headed at the near post.

The celebrations took place against a backdrop of fury in the home stands, with supporters voicing their disgust at Willy Gnonto as he attempts to jump off Elland Road.

The Italian striker has put in a transfer request as he seeks to force a bid to leave – but Leeds insist he is not for sale after rejecting a £25m bid from Everton.

Luke Ayling saved a point for struggling Leeds United with a booming header in the 72nd minute

Gnonto was nowhere to be seen and it seems unlikely he will play for the club again as midfielder Tyler Adams is on the verge of a move to Bournemouth.

Winger Luis Sinisterra was also absent and is expected to leave similarly with Farke, alarmingly, able to name just five outfield players on a bench, including two goalkeepers.

Farke said afterwards: ‘We need to strengthen the team and have spoken openly and transparently about this.

“Yes, we definitely need a few more additions if we want to be ambitious.

“It’s a hell of a job – that’s what I said on my first day here – but I don’t want sympathy or complain about the situation.

“From tomorrow I will concentrate on this topic (transfer cases).

“I didn’t want to hear about transfers until after the game. I didn’t want to be distracted.’

Leeds came close in the 26th minute when midfielder Jamie Shackleton’s deflected shot bounced off the inside of a post.

In the 51st minute, Jed Wallace’s first attempt was tipped onto a post by Illan Meslier.

From the ensuing corner, the ball fell kindly to Molumby and his low shot was deflected by Thomas-Asante’s hand.

Farke added: “Normally I never comment on referee decisions because after the game you can’t change anything.

“Even the Sky boys told me it was handball, but it was also offside.

“But there is no VAR in this competition, so we have to accept it.

“Football can be the cruelest and most unfair sport in the world because they scored a goal that should have been ruled out.

Leeds fans expressed their anger at Wilfried Gnonto, but he was nowhere to be seen

Alarmingly, Leeds boss Daniel Farke could only name five outfield players on the bench

“It was definitely a game in which we should have taken three points.

“We are still undefeated at home and from a losing position we almost completely turned the game around.”

After Ayling’s equaliser, opportunities came and went for both sides, but Albion boss Carlos Corberan said: ‘It was a decent result.

“We knew this summer would be challenging, but I know the club is working hard to strengthen the squad.”