Leeds United had another frustrating evening with referees and VAR as they got one more big decision wrong in the quarter-final clash against West Ham.
Ao Tanaka marked his return to the starting eleven with a goal in the first half and showed why he deserves more opportunities to start in Premier League games.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin appeared to have sealed the game in the second half with a well-taken penalty. However, West Ham scored twice in injury time to drag the game into extra time.
However, had the referee and VAR taken a decisive call in the first half, Leeds could have easily sealed the win and walked away from London Stadium in 90 minutes.
Joe Cole slams VAR for missing the big call in the West Ham vs Leeds game
Ao Tanaka’s goal in the first half was the headline of the first 45 minutes. However, Leeds were denied a clear penalty when Kilman brought down Stach inside the box.
The referee decided against awarding a spot kick to Leeds, and even VAR didn’t intervene, when it was clear that the Hammers defender had committed a foul.
Joe Cole has conceded that he understands why the referee didn’t give the penalty on the pitch, as it seemed like a good tackle from Kilman at first glance.
However, the former West Ham star admitted VAR should have stepped in, as the replays made it abundantly clear it was a foul inside the box.
Cole said on TNT Sports: “I understand why the referee didn’t give it. Max Kilman commits himself.
“When the VAR looks at that, how can you not give it?
“VAR is supposed to be refereed by the rules of the game, and I think the referee got it wrong, but I’m happy he got it wrong.”
Daniel Farke has big decisions to make
Staying in the Premier League remains the priority for Leeds United, but you can hardly fault fans for dreaming of an FA Cup triumph come the end of the season.
Leeds have reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in nearly four decades.
Daniel Farke claimed a few weeks ago that winning the FA Cup cannot be a realistic goal for Leeds this season. However, they are now in the semi-finals.
The Leeds boss will have to find a way to manage expectations, and now, even his top players will want to play at Wembley this season.
He has already lost one key player to injury and will have to balance his selections for the semi-finals later in the campaign.
Survival is still key for Leeds this season, but it is hard not to get excited about a trip to Wembley and, potentially, playing in an FA Cup final.
