Leeds United were denied a penalty for a challenge by Max Kilman on Anton Stach during the FA Cup clash with West Ham United
Richard Cusack Sport Content Editor
17:16, 05 Apr 2026Updated 17:26, 05 Apr 2026
Anton Stach is challenged by Max Kilman during Leeds United's clash with West Ham in the FA Cup
View 2 Images
Anton Stach was denied a penalty(Image: Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
Leeds United have been told why a penalty was not given for a challenge on Anton Stach during the FA Cup clash with West Ham United at the London Stadium on Sunday.
Stach managed to get a shot away but was caught by Max Kilman with the West Ham defender sliding in late and colliding with the Leeds midfielder.
Stach was treated for an injury as a result of the tackle and was replaced by Brenden Aaronson six minutes before half-time.
Speaking on TNT Sports' coverage of the match, commentator Darren Fletcher explained VAR's decision, saying it was a 'natural coming together between the defender and the attacker'.
*FOLLOW OUR LUFC FACEBOOK PAGE!Latest news, analysis and more on our Leeds United FB page*
Pundit Ally McCoist gave his verdict, saying: "I have to say I am very, very pleased at that outcome" before quizzing his fellow commentator on whether or not he agreed.
"He clearly gets the shot away, it's quite rare that you would have that looked at based on the fact he got the shot away," Fletcher said.
"You an understand why he has done it, there's a lot of contact, but I don't think he can ever really stop his momentum, can he, Kilman?"
Meanwhile on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison gave his verdict. "Leeds might want a penalty but I think Stach gets his shot away," he said. "There's a late challenge from Max Kilman but I don't think they can pull that back.
Leeds United's Anton Stach leaves the pitch after a tackle by West Ham defender Max Kilman
View 2 Images
Anton Stach had to come off after the tackle(Image: John Walton/PA Wire)
"It's a good save by Alphonse Areola, he's kept West Ham in the game."
Leeds were leading at the time thanks to Ao Tanaka's deflected strike on the 26th minute. Tanaka's effort rebounded off the bar and over the line as Daniel Farke's side put themselves a goal up and in control of the quarter-final tie.
Article continues below
The first half ended with Leeds in front and West Ham's fans booing their own players off after a poor showing from the hosts in the opening 45 minutes.