Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Mon 6 April 2026 14:30, UK

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Ethan Ampadu should have been shown red by Craig Pawson during Leeds United‘s FA Cup win over West Ham United.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Adama Traore’s reaction to the Welshman’s challenge saved him from a harsher punishment.

Just two minutes into the second half on Sunday, 5 April, Ampadu scythed down his opponent, who was threatening to counter-attack, but replays showed a very high contact on Traore’s calf.

Leeds needed penalties to beat West Ham, being taken to extra time after late goals from Mateus Fernandes and Axel Disasi, but it could have been very different for the home side against 10 men.

Ethan Ampadu ‘clearly endangered the safety’ of West Ham star

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “That challenge has clearly endangered the safety of his opponent. As a consequence, he’s fortunate not to get a red card. 

“I think the reason he’s not got a red is that Ampadu hasn’t dived in. They’ve read it as reckless, but they’re not reading it as they should. This player has gotten away with one, and he’s fortunate to do so.

“It easily could have been a red card, but I think the player not making a meal out of it helped him. There’s an element of doubt in it. It might not be quite enough for a sending off.”

The decision almost certainly had an impact on the game, but at the same time, Max Kilman was lucky not to be punished for his late challenge on Anton Stach inside the penalty area, with the midfielder also picking up an injury.

Leeds United already have a clear plan for Ampadu

Despite his reckless challenge, Ampadu has quickly become one of Daniel Farke’s most important players since arriving on a £7million deal from Chelsea in the summer of 2023.

The 25-year-old is already the Whites’ captain, starting 28 of their 31 Premier League matches this season, and being able to feature in midfield or the centre of defence.

Mick Brown told Football Insider that Leeds are making “ambitious” plans to keep Ampadu, and even build the squad around him in future campaigns.

While he is known for a few questionable challenges, picking up one too many yellow cards, his importance to the squad cannot be denied.