Leeds United became embroiled in an extraordinary penalty shoot-out dispute ahead of their FA Cup quarter-final. Leeds manager Daniel Farke arrived at West Ham only to be informed that should the match proceed to penalties, the shoot-out must not take place in front of the away supporters.
It is understood to have been implemented on safety grounds following consultation with police and the local safety advisory group. However, it represents a highly unusual situation and is unprecedented because shooting towards one end can be perceived as an advantage, with the referee tossing a coin to determine which end and which side go first.
Leeds have taken 9,000 supporters to West Ham and there is a substantial police deployment due to security and safety concerns surrounding the fixture. West Ham have characterised it as a « dynamic » decision based on security considerations and will only be confirmed if required.
Leeds have already won via a shoot-out at Birmingham City this campaign, while West Ham triumphed on penalties in front of the away end of 5,000 Brentford supporters at the London Stadium.
Express Sport has approached the Football Association for comment.
Both West Ham and Leeds entered Sunday’s encounter with a golden opportunity of reaching Wembley. The victors will be confirmed as the fourth side to enter the semi-final draw.
Ao Tanaka gave the visitors a first-half lead in the 26th minute as the visitors dominated at the London Stadium.
Manchester City remain the overwhelming favourites to win the competition following their demolition of Liverpool on Saturday. Chelsea put seven past League One strugglers Port Vale, before Southampton produced the shock of the round by defeating Arsenal.
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