Leeds United reach Wembley as Struijk settles shootout after safety-row twist at West Ham | OneFootball

Leeds United reached Wembley after an FA Cup quarter-final at West Ham decided on penalties, despite squandering a two-goal lead.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, West Ham’s safety team first opposed taking penalties in front of the away end, then relented after Leeds objected and a proper coin toss decided the end.

Pascal Struijk, eight years at the club, converted the decisive kick off the post and tore towards the away end, a memory to keep.

Lucas Perri made big saves in the tie and dominated the shootout for the second time in this run. His earlier wobble, including a ballooned header and an offside reprieve, will fade beside his heroics.

Daniel Farke’s side did it the hard way, but did it. He has delivered another slice of history and will now lead them out at Wembley against Chelsea.

Joel Piroe arrived for the second half of extra time yet struggled to influence play, then missed the first penalty, his team-mates rescuing him. Officiating jarred, with no foul when Anton Stach was caught late after shooting as Craig Pawson and VAR stayed unmoved. Soon after, Lukas Nmecha was booked for a late slide, and there was a case for a free-kick before West Ham’s second due to a high boot near Struijk’s face.

Leeds supporters turned their backs to mark the anniversary of Chris Loftus and Kevin Speight.

Anton Stach appeared at the extra-time interval in a protective boot and on crutches. Keeper coach Ed Wootten relayed instructions to Sebastiaan Bornauw as 20-year-old Finlay Herrick came on.

Daniel Farke acknowledged Eddie Gray in the directors’ box and Jermaine Beckford shared a moment with Ethan Ampadu. Directors including Pete Lowy celebrated as they passed the mixed zone.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk