Lukas Nmecha told VAR would have been against him in Leeds vs Birmingham controversy
Clinton Morrison acknowledged the brilliance of Lukas Nmecha’s goal in Leeds’ FA Cup win over Birmingham, but feels it should’ve been ruled out.
Leeds required penalties to triumph over Birmingham in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday, with Nmecha scoring the opening goal of the game.
Daniel Farke‘s side put in an incredibly lacklustre first-half performance at St Andrew’s, and would’ve felt lucky they weren’t a goal or two behind at half-time.
They certainly would’ve been had it not been for goalkeeper Lucas Perri, who made several good saves, including a spectacular one to deny Jay Stansfield’s half volley, tipping it onto the crossbar.
However, Leeds did improve in the second 45, and it was Nmecha who gave the Premier League side the lead just four minutes into the second half, but it wasn’t without controversy.
- Read more: Steve McManaman raves about ‘brilliant’ Lucas Perri after what he did in Birmingham vs Leeds
Clinton Morrison cites VAR frustration in Lukas Nmecha goal
It was always going to be a tough afternoon for Leeds at St Andrew’s, with the conditions, atmosphere and Birmingham’s excellent home record in 2025-26 all playing a factor.
As such, it was one of those classic FA Cup ties that would have had Whites fans agreeing that it wasn’t going to be about the performance necessarily, but just finding a way to get themselves in the hat for the fifth round.
So in that regard, it’s mission accomplished for Farke’s side, and he has Nmecha in part to thank for that, and perhaps the officials too, according to Morrison.
Speaking via BBC Radio 5 Live from St Andrew’s, the former Birmingham striker believed strongly that Nmecha was standing in an offside position when the ball was played into him by Noah Okafor just inside the Brum half.
“It’s not even half a chance, and it’s disappointing by Christoph Klarer, he has to win the tackle,” said Morrison.
“It’s a brilliant finish by Lukas Nmecha, the way he drills it past Ryan Allsop. He was clearly offside there if there was VAR.”
- Read more: Sebastiaan Bornauw called out after his actions in Leeds United vs Birmingham – ‘Panic mode’
Morrison perhaps shows Birmingham allegiances with Nmecha call
If/when Morrison looks at the Nmecha goal again, he may well rescind his adamance that the Leeds forward was “clearly offside”.
Still images of the offside call show that it was incredibly close either way, and it’s pretty much impossible to say whether Blues defender Jonathan Panzo is playing him on or off.
Birmingham may feel hard done by, but in those situations, and most certainly when not having the help of VAR, officials have to be sure, and that simply was never going to be the case here.
If it’s not clear and they aren’t confident, the flag must stay down, and so for that reason, Leeds shouldn’t feel guilty for Nmecha’s goal, helping them to victory on Sunday.
For even more Leeds United news and updates, head over to Football Insider.