Credit: Imago

Daniel Lewis

Sun 17 May 2026 17:09, UK

Leeds United snatched a late 1-0 win against Brighton and Hove Albion at Elland Road in a game in which the hosts had a penalty shout turned down.

Neither side could see a way through in Sunday’s Premier League clash in West Yorkshire until the sixth minute of added time when Dominic Calvert-Lewin struck.

Daniel Farke‘s men had a penalty appeal turned down in the first half, when Jaka Bijol’s header hit the arm of Joel Veltman.

Referee Michael Oliver did not point to the spot and VAR did not intervene, feeling it was not a clear and obvious error.

And while in agreement with that decision at Elland Road, former FIFA official Keith Hackett has exclusively told MOT Leeds News he wants IFAB to clarify the current rules.

Michael Oliver right not to award Leeds a penalty

There was very little distance between Bijol and Veltman when the Leeds ace headed the ball downwards.

As pointed out by Michael Dawson on Sky Sports News, it is a decision that would have resulted in a penalty has this been a European match.

In the Premier League, however, these are not usually given.

That said, there have been some bizarre calls of late in the English top flight, as well as north of the border in Scotland.

Earlier on Sunday, Bryan Mbuemo somehow got away with a clear handball in Manchester United’s win over Nottingham Forest.

And in the view of Hackett, it is now down to governing body IFAB to provide some clarity as there remains serious confusion.

“I agree with Michael Dawson – he is correct to say that this outstretched arm coming into contact with the arm would see most UEFA referees pointing to the penalty mark,” Hackett said.

“There is too much subjectivity around what is and what is a handball offence. Often when you spin to turn quickly, the hands and arms come away from the body and are used by the player for balance.

“The PGMOL have to get their referees reading off the same plate and applying the same criteria. The Select Group need to work harder to gain a greater degree of consistency of interpretations.

“Two officials in the Manchester United game did not reach the same conclusion. IFAB need to review and give further operational advice to referees through the UEFA Referees Committee.”

Where do Leeds now stand after late Brighton win?

It would have been “madness” had Leeds been awarded a penalty, but they just about managed to do enough to win the game.

Calvert-Lewin’s winner came via Leeds’ only shot on target all contest, while Brighton managed eight on target without beating Karl Darlow.

The win means Leeds are now 13th in the Premier League prior to Newcastle United’s clash with West Ham in Sunday’s evening kick-off.

As things stand, Leeds could end the season as high as 10th if they beat West Ham away next weekend and other results go their way.

In a season in which survival was the only thing that mattered, a top-half finish really would be an incredible feat from the Whites.