Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg believes Leeds United should have been awarded another penalty during their FA Cup quarter-final win over West Ham United.
However, the game was dragged to extra-time and penalties when Mateus Fernandes and Axel Disasi struck late for the Hammers.
Mark Clattenburg is a former Premier League referee.placeholder image
Mark Clattenburg is a former Premier League referee. | OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty ImagesAFP via Getty Images
Mark Clattenburg identifies officiating error
Maximilian Kilman went in forcefully on Anton Stach in the box, forcing the Germany international to head off injured.
The decision incensed Leeds players and fans alike and Clattenburg is of the view a spot-kick should have been awarded.
He told Leeds United News: “There is no doubt in my mind that Leeds United should have been awarded a penalty kick in their exciting FA Cup match v West Ham.
“The challenge by Max Kilman on Anton Stach was reckless catching his opponent on the foot without touching the ball.
“The only way a penalty kick could not be awarded is if the ball is out of the field of play when the challenge was made. We can see from the replay that the ball was in play.
”I do not accept the VAR’s explanation that it was a coming together of two players. This was a clear foul and does not excuse the fact that the Leeds United forward and made a shot to goal before the contact.”
Leeds United's Anton Stach was forced off with an injury against West Ham United following a heavy challenge from Maxmilian Kilman.placeholder image
Leeds United's Anton Stach was forced off with an injury against West Ham United following a heavy challenge from Maxmilian Kilman. | John Walton/PA Wire
Leeds United’s FA Cup journey
Fortunately for Leeds, the decision did not cost them a place in the final four of the FA Cup.
The club have reached the semi-final stage for the first time since 1987, when they were beaten by the competition’s eventual winners Coventry City at Hillsborough.
Daniel Farke’s side will face Premier League rivals Chelsea over the weekend of April 25/26, while Manchester City will take on Southampton.