Leeds United have frequently raised concerns over the consistent tactic employed by teams at Elland Road, as opposition goalkeepers fake injuries in order for the manager to conduct team-talks mid-game.
This season has been perhaps the epitome of teams looking for an edge in any way possible. Long throws and incredibly congested set-piece situations have been the main talking point.
However, how clubs have bent the rules in order to get further tactical advice across is an alarming development. It’s not just in the top flight too, but an issue all the way down the pyramid.
Leeds United raise concern over Brentford’s Caoimhin Kelleher in latest instance of Elland Road ‘cheating’
Only one team was looking to actually win the game at Elland Road on Saturday night. That’s not to say Leeds did nearly enough to even test Caoimhin Kelleher in the Brentford goal, but the Bees came to dig in for a point and nothing more.
Summarising their fight for a stalemate was when Leeds made a double sub on the 69th minute. After Noah Okafor and Ao Tanaka had come on and the game was ready to restart, Kelleher was instructed by a teammate to go to the ground with an ‘injury’.
Holier than thou Bees boss Keith Andrews then got a quick team-talk in to react to Leeds’ two changes. The home crowd in unison responded by branding them ‘cheating b******s’.
It’s not the first instance and obviously won’t be the last. Sunderland’s Melker Ellborg did it. Manchester City’s Gigi Donnarumma did it. And, I wouldn’t be surprised if Wolves’ Jose Sa does it next time we play at home.
Henry Winter confirmed that IFAB have already discussed a potential rule change to address goalkeepers obviously faking injury. Included could be a nominated outfielder being forced to go off for 30 seconds. That is standard for any other player requiring treatment or a stoppage of play due to ‘injury’.
70’ Becoming a common occurrence this season, as Kelleher goes down needing treatment after Leeds make substitutions. Looks like he’ll now be fine to continue after the Brentford players check in with their manager. 0-0 pic.twitter.com/6xjVFuutYT
— Leeds United (@LUFC) March 21, 2026
It’s a pandemic that stretches well beyond just games where Leeds are involved. As a result, it should be something that the law-makers look to nip in the bud as soon as they possibly can. The referees are obviously powerless at the moment to apply any current ruling.
On Stick To Football, the rule was discussed in which there were some bluntly frustrated responses from the former Premier League contingent.
“I’ve seen it a lot, the ‘keepers are going down on 65-70 minutes,” Gary Neville began.
“I hate it,” Ian Wright responded.
“I actually think if a goalkeeper goes down-“ Neville continues, before interrupted by Wayne Rooney.
“Just play on,” Rooney quipped.
If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em – Leeds United need to tap into the dark arts more
Every team seems to be wasting time through their goalkeeper hitting the deck. They’re getting tactical tweaks across when they shouldn’t really be allowed.
And yet, look at the away games in 2026 where Leeds have needed to take the sting out of games. We should’ve been doing the same ‘dark arts’ stuff away at Newcastle United, Everton, and Aston Villa to come away with wins.
It’s not nice and we shouldn’t have to lean on that sort of tactic. But, everyone else is doing it and gaining a distinct advantage as a result, so why shouldn’t we?
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