Jacob Raw

Tue 31 March 2026 18:10, UK

Leeds United fans won’t be too happy to see Craig Pawson appointed as the referee for the FA Cup game against West Ham, as they know defeat usually follows.

The Whites travel to the London Stadium on Sunday to take on West Ham in the Quarter-final of the FA Cup.

Out of all the remaining teams left in the competition, the Hammers are one of the more favourable matchups for Leeds, with an FA Cup trophy every supporters dream.

However, as confirmed by West Ham on their website this Tuesday, Pawson is now the elected referee for the encounter.

Leeds know they can beat Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, but history suggests victory under the officiating of Pawson is hard to come by.

Leeds’ record under Craig Pawson is dismal

The Whites last had Pawson referee one of their games in the 1-0 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage earlier in the season, which saw Daniel Farke’s side concede a 94th-minute goal to lose the game.

Before then came a 3-1 win over Leicester City in 2024, but the overall readings show that Leeds don’t usually win when Pawson is in charge.

Since 2012, Leeds have won just four times in 13 games when Pawson has been in charge, something supporters will not want to hear.

Not only that, the fourth official for the match will be Peter Bankes, someone who Whites fans will know well, but not for good reasons this season.

Overall, it just looks like a set of officials where there is no winning for Leeds, but maybe Farke’s men can overcome their bad luck omen.

What is the latest on Crysencio Summerville’s injury?

Leeds will be hoping that Crysencio Summerville remains sidelined for the clash this weekend, with the Dutchman in the conversation for West Ham’s player of the season.

The winger has been out with a calf problem, which prevented him from a likely call-up to the Netherlands’ international squad, given his recent form.

Premier League injury expert Ben Dinnery has estimated that Summerville will return the following weekend, which is good news solely for the FA Cup game.

Leeds know how good the forward can be on his day, and they hold a major relegation boost over the Hammers if he is out for a longer period.