Ex-PGMOL chief gives verdict on controversial penalty decision in Leeds game

The Leeds Press – News

Former PGMOL chief weighs in on Leeds United’s disputed penalty call

By Kwadwo Hemeng | May 12, 2026

Tottenham Hotspur started brightly against Leeds United, fully aware of what was at stake following Sunday’s results. West Ham’s failure to get a result against Arsenal raised the tension ahead of Monday’s clash.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side tested Leeds repeatedly in the first half, with Karl Darlow denying a big chance. Early in the second half, Spurs took the lead through Mathys Tel. However, Tel later gave away a penalty, which Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted to equalize.

Ex-PGMOL chief shares view on Leeds penalty incident

Although the match finished level, controversy erupted late on. James Maddison went down in the box under a challenge from Leeds striker Lukas Nmecha.

Referee Jarred Gillett waved play on, and replays appeared to show Nmecha making contact. VAR opted not to overrule Gillett, with alternate angles suggesting Nmecha got a touch on the ball.

Former PGMOL head Keith Hackett backed the officials’ call.

“Looking carefully at the replays, the defender plays the ball. The attacker, who doesn’t have possession, goes down too easily,” he told Football Insider.

“The match officials got this one right.”

Leeds could have taken all three points on Monday

Leeds have endured several questionable decisions this season, but this time the call went in their favor. The incident and its replays lacked the clarity needed to award a penalty.

The game ended 1–1, yet Daniel Farke’s side might have claimed more. In the second half, Leeds created more chances, registered more shots, and forced Anton Kinsky into several saves. Only Kinsky’s performance prevented them from finding a winner.

Farke has done an excellent job with this team, and given how the campaign started, this season can already be viewed as a success. Leeds could still finish higher in the Premier League table if they pick up results in their final two matches.