Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville looking bemused with Anton Stach's foul on Max Dowman insert.
Credit: Imago, ESPN FC
Evan Lloyd
Sun 24 August 2025 7:10, UK
Leeds United were on the wrong end of a late penalty call on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium.
Daniel Farke’s side were smashed 5-0 by Arsenal, with goals from Jurrien Timber, Viktor Gyokeres and Bukayo Saka making for a reality check following Leeds’ opening day win over Everton.
The penalty came in the dying stages of the game, with a Premier League statement confirming that Anton Stach’s foul on Max Dowman was checked and confirmed by VAR.
Gyokeres converted the penalty to add the third Arsenal goal from set-pieces on the day, with Jamie Redknapp identifying Leeds’ defence of corners as a key issue.
Daniel Farke
It was a difficult Saturday for Farke (Credit: Imago)
This article contains exclusive opinion from former FIFA referee Keith Hackett.
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Keith Hackett has ‘no doubt’ over penalty decision
Dowman, 15, had looked to get at the Leeds defenders after coming on, constantly driving at Gabriel Gudmundsson and towards the box.
And in the 95th minute, the teenager did make it into the box and was duly fouled by Stach.
The midfielder stuck out a leg and appeared to catch Dowman on the top of the boot, with referee Jarred Gillett quickly pointing to the spot.
Live on Sky Sports, co-commentator Gary Neville had initially dismissed the incident as a refereeing mistake after viewing the first replay.
But on closer inspection, the former Manchester United man changed his mind – pointing out the contact.
Former PGMOL head Keith Hackett exclusively told MOT Leeds News that the referee had made the right call.
“This is good detection by the referee and VAR,” Hackett explained.
“That first contact by the Leeds United player is the point at which the foul is committed.
“The outstretched right foot is sufficient to trip the forward moving at speed and I have no doubt feeling that contact goes to ground.
“Jarred Gillet is having a good start to the season. An Aussie showing English referees how to officiate.”
A lesson to be learned for Anton Stach
Stach was among the standouts for Leeds against Arsenal, the midfielder performing well despite the opposition onslaught.
His foul for the penalty was a mistake, however, and one he will have to learn from.
Anton Stach Vs Arsenal (A)
Was fouled 3
Duels won 5
Fouls committed 2
Stach will be faced against tricky players constantly in the Premier League, and must avoid lunging in unnecessarily.
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