PGMOL Releases damning statement after referee Peter banks wrongly denied Leeds United a clear stoppage time Penalty
The Premier League has issued an official statement following widespread outrage over Leeds United being denied what many considered a clear stoppage-time penalty in their dramatic match at Elland Road.
The incident occurred deep into added time, when a Leeds forward appeared to be brought down in the penalty area after an aerial challenge. Despite loud appeals from players and fans, referee Paul Banks waved play on, and VAR chose not to intervene. Moments later, the final whistle blew, leaving Elland Road stunned and furious.
Premier League issues immediate response
In the hours that followed, the Premier League moved quickly, releasing a firm statement confirming that it had requested a full explanation from PGMOL regarding the incident.
Premier League Comment:
“We recognise the concerns raised following the late incident at Elland Road. The Premier League takes the integrity of the competition extremely seriously. We have requested a full report from PGMOL to clarify the decision-making process, and any necessary actions or clarifications will be communicated once the review is complete.”
The league also stressed that transparency around key decisions remains a priority and that communication with clubs and supporters will continue as the situation develops.
PGMOL opens review into the decision
PGMOL confirmed that a detailed internal review is now underway, focusing on both the on-field referee’s interpretation and the VAR team’s actions. This includes examining video angles, audio communication, and whether VAR protocols were correctly followed in the final minutes of the match.
In recent seasons, PGMOL has publicly acknowledged errors in high-profile incidents and issued apologies when appropriate. Similar scrutiny is now expected in this case, given the significance of the moment and the immediate backlash.
Sources close to the organisation indicated that officials will review whether the level of contact warranted an on-field review — something Leeds fans insist was “obvious” from broadcast replays.
Leeds United, players, and fans react strongly
Leeds manager and players were visibly furious at full-time, confronting the referee and demanding an explanation. The manager described the non-award as “incomprehensible,” insisting his team had been “denied a match-deciding decision.”
Supporters quickly took to social media, sharing clips of the incident, while pundits across several networks labelled the decision “astonishing” and “a clear penalty.”
Inside the club, senior figures confirmed they had submitted an official inquiry to the Premier League and PGMOL shortly after full-time.
Implications and what comes next
If PGMOL’s review concludes that a mistake occurred, the organisation may choose to issue an apology, stand down officials from upcoming fixtures, or recommend further training — actions consistent with responses to previous errors.
Meanwhile, Leeds United are expected to push for full transparency, with club sources calling for the publication of all communications between the match officials and VAR during the incident.
The controversy adds to wider debates surrounding VAR usage in the Premier League, with increasing calls for clearer communication, higher standards, and more decisive intervention in key moments.