Credit: Imago

Richie Mills

Sun 22 March 2026 16:10, UK

Leeds United have received support from Henry Winter in light of Brentford’s apparent unsettling tactics at Elland Road.

For the 2025-26 season, the Football Association brought in strict procedures on how to deal with head injuries, such as concussion. If a player has a suspected concussion, the FA decreed that they must be “immediately removed from the pitch, whether in training or match play”.

However, Premier League sides have exploited this as goalkeepers have often gone down, medical staff have deemed they are okay, and in that intervening period, players have headed to their managers for tactical advice.

Brentford did such a thing in their goalless draw with Leeds on Saturday when Caoimhin Kelleher went down in the second half to receive treatment. The move was roundly booed, as the Irishman was able to play on, and Keith Andrews then gave instructions to some Brentford players. Now, Winter believes this is an increasing problem in football and wants it stamped out.

Brentford repeat Man City’s tactic against Leeds United

Winter pointed out that in Manchester City’s 3-2 win over Leeds in late November, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma dropped to the turf to receive treatment.

And at the same time, manager Pep Guardiola gave instructions to his players on how to combat Leeds’ 3-5-2 formation shift when the score was at 2-2. City went on to win that match and now it seems teams across the division are doing this as well.

And on Saturday night, Brentford followed City’s lead, something that did not go down well with the Elland Road faithful.

Daniel Farke has already criticised this practice and the grey area that comes with it but for the time being, nothing is being done about it.

But journalist Winter thinks that officials at this summer’s World Cup should be wary of this tactic because it is “spoiling games”.

However, he did acknowledge that the current rules somewhat tie the hands of referees and their wider team.

Until these rules, which have come from the International Football Association Board, are changed, English top-flight sides will continue to exploit this loophole.

Either way, it is making the game more of a frustrating spectacle.

Leeds’ defence stands strong despite lack of goals

Leeds’ draw against Brentford lifted them four points clear of the relegation zone, although lowly rivals Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, and West Ham all have a game in hand.

While Leeds’ streak without a Premier League goal stretched to four matches, they are showing their defensive capabilities in recent weeks.

They held on for a deserved point at Crystal Palace last Sunday despite being a man down for the second half and against Brentford, they kept 19-goal Thiago quiet.

The league’s second top scorer, behind Erling Haaland, was restricted to just one shot off target as the Whites kept another clean sheet.

Incidentally, while many Leeds fans feel this game was a missed opportunity, Brentford are seventh in the league and are no longer a pushover away from home.

Indeed, after losing seven of their first away league games this season, the Bees have tasted defeat just once in their last eight matches on the road.

But a win would have gone a long way to ensuring Leeds’ survival.