Leeds United and West Ham in penalty shootout row before FA Cup quarter-final | OneFootball

Leeds United were drawn into a penalty shootout row before their FA Cup quarter-final at West Ham after being told any shootout would not take place in front of the away end.

According to Leeds Live, Daniel Farke was informed on arrival that, if the tie reaches penalties, the kicks must be taken away from the travelling support. The move is understood to follow consultations with police and the local safety advisory group on safety grounds.

It is a highly unusual and seemingly unprecedented step, given shooting towards one end can be an advantage. Usually the referee’s coin toss decides both the end and who takes first.

Leeds have 9,000 travelling fans and there is a sizeable police presence amid security concerns. West Ham say the plan remains fluid on safety grounds and would only be confirmed if a shootout is required.

Leeds have already won a shootout at Birmingham City this season. West Ham previously triumphed on penalties at home in front of 5,000 Brentford supporters.

Both sides went into Sunday’s tie eyeing Wembley, with the winners set to become the fourth team into the semi-final draw. Manchester City remain overwhelming favourites after their demolition of Liverpool, while Chelsea hit seven past Port Vale and Southampton upset Arsenal.

Source: Leeds Live