The amount of injury time added by referee Craig Pawson during West Ham United's 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Leeds United on Sunday, April 5, 2026, has drawn attention for its length. Pawson signaled for 11 minutes of stoppage time at the end of the match at London Stadium, a decision noted for its contrast with other fixtures.
This extended period followed a second half that included multiple substitutions, a VAR check for a potential West Ham penalty, and treatment for injuries. The added time allowed for a late chance for Leeds, but West Ham held on to secure their place in the semi-finals.
The decision sparked discussion among pundits and fans regarding consistency in calculating stoppage time, especially when compared to other high-profile matches from the same weekend. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has emphasized that added time is determined by specific stoppages as per competition guidelines.
West Ham will now face the winner of the Manchester City vs Chelsea quarter-final in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley Stadium next month.
