Credit: Imago

Aheed Abrar

Sun 17 May 2026 15:47, UK

Leeds United were right not to be awarded a penalty against Brighton & Hove Albion in the first half.

David Prutton believes it would have been “madness” for Joel Veltman to be penalised after Jaka Bijol’s header hit his arm from close range.

In around the 15th minute, a cross was met by the Slovenia international and the ball ended up hovering in the air after hitting the Brighton defender’s arms, leading to a VAR check.

Officials in Stockley Park didn’t think it warranted an on-field review from Michael Oliver, with Prutton clearly agreeing with the decision.

Daniel Farke is embracing a party atmosphere at Elland Road after having confirmed Premier League survival at the West Yorkshire outfit, but the German manager will surely want to give supporters a good ending in the final home game of the season.

Michael Oliver has decent first half at Elland Road

Speaking on the world feed, Prutton said, “It’s a deep cross, wasn’t it? We all wondered why the ball ended up hovering almost mid-air. To give anything remotely anywhere near a foul for that would be madness.”

Oliver has had some decent moments at Elland Road and it’s only fair that the officials get some recognition for their good work.

Football fans have expressed their frustration with VAR and officiating in general over the last few years and the concerns have only grown this season.

Oliver hasn’t forced anything in what has been a relatively calm opening 45 minutes between the Whites and the Seagulls, playing a decent advantage for the home side in one moment at the start of the first half.

The on-field officials have let the game flow and VAR hasn’t been a big talking point so far at Elland Road.

Daniel Farke repeats Leeds United mistake vs Brighton

Farke continued his faith in Daniel James at right-wing-back at Elland Road despite the Wales international’s struggles at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Yankuba Minteh, who usually starts on the right-wing, has featured mostly on the left in the opening 45 minutes and presented the 28-year-old with plenty of problems.

Brighton have been threatening down their left, and while Farke doesn’t have the luxury of options due to multiple fitness issues, someone like Sam Byram may be able to provide better balance to the backline.

It wouldn’t be surprising to see the German manager make some changes at the break to ensure the Seagulls don’t take control of the game in the second half.