The goalkeeper had to throw away his penalty shoot-out homework in the end
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
10:51, 16 Feb 2026
Lucas Perri saves the penalty from Tommy Doyle
View Image
Lucas Perri saves the penalty from Tommy Doyle(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Lucas Perri has explained how he had to ditch his homework for Leeds United’s FA Cup shoot-out at Birmingham City after being unable to read the numbers on the shorts of Blues players.
The hosts were wearing a special kit in tribute to their ‘penguin’ design that became synonymous with the club in the 1970s. As a result, there were no names on the back of their shirts with numbers absent from their shorts.
So when Birmingham City players walked up to take their spot kicks, Perri did not know who was the taker and so had to rely on gut instinct. TV footage had shown a list of names and directions on his water bottle ahead of shoot-out, but in the end this homework turned out to be futile.
However, Perri still managed to give Leeds a helping hand in progressing through to the fifth round after saving the penalty of third Birmingham taker Tommy Doyle down low to his right. He explained to TNT Sports afterwards that this was down to guesswork, with Leeds analysts unsure where Doyle would have gone anyway.
“We had a video [on Birmingham penalty takers] but unfortunately for the first two penalties because they didn't have the number on the shorts it was difficult for me to see!” Perri said. “And the third one we didn't know where he shot so I went on instinct. I’m happy to help the club."
On the game, he added: "It was an incredible fight from the team. We had a very difficult game, it's always difficult to play against a team like Birmingham, so congratulations to the whole team for the fight and we got to the next round."
In his post-match press conference, Daniel Farke was asked what his instructions were to his players between the end of extra time and the penalty shoot-out.
“The goalkeeper, I leave him alone with our goalkeeper coach Ed Wootton, he's excellent,” he began. “Goalkeepers are a special breed. I don't get them! So for that, I have to leave them a little bit alone. They do their stuff.”
Article continues below
Farke added: “I gave some messages to our outfield players, because I've also taken many penalties. I can tell you, I've also missed several penalties. I gave some recommendations on what we do but also, instead of overloading too much… even if there's a setback, we believe in it, and we stick together.
“All the credit goes to the players. Well-taken penalties today, and Lucas was also excellent in the shootout.”
Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search. Help us stay visible byadding us as a Preferred Source in your search settings.