adminLeeds United were left frustrated after learning that, if their FA Cup quarter-final against West Ham went to penalties, they would not be permitted to take the spot-kicks in front of their own supporters.
Manager Daniel Farke was informed upon arriving at the London Stadium that any potential shootout would have to be held at the home end, reportedly due to safety concerns—a decision that did not sit well with the Leeds boss.
While a coin toss typically determines which end penalties are taken, the FA allows safety officials and relevant authorities to override this if there are perceived risks.
Leeds had brought around 9,000 fans for the sixth-round clash, having already progressed via a penalty shootout against Birmingham City earlier in the competition.
Meanwhile, West Ham had also advanced on penalties in the previous round, beating Brentford in a shootout held in front of the Bees’ 5,000 travelling supporters.
Sources from West Ham maintained that such “dynamic decisions” are usually only confirmed after the match, depending on the situation at the time.
In the end, Leeds did get the chance to score in front of their fans, as Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted from the spot in the second half to make it 2-0, following a foul on Brenden Aaronson.
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