Jacob Raw

Mon 6 April 2026 18:40, UK

West Ham United fans may need to give Max Kilman a half-sincere apology after his tackle on Leeds United’s Anton Stach this Sunday.

The Hammers were knocked out of the FA Cup at the quarter-final stage by Leeds on penalties, as Kilman was criticised for giving away a spot kick in normal time of the second half.

Leeds would then dispatch the penalty before Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side fought from two behind to force extra time, where they then eventually lost on penalties.

However, in the first 45, Leeds’ Stach was running through on goal as Kilman came across to tackle him, catching his man late, resulting in a controversial penalty appeal, and a big injury for the Whites.

West Ham need to avoid Premier League relegation, with Leeds one of their rivals, as an injury to Stach could change everything.

Anton Stach is huge for Leeds, we owe Max Kilman an apology

Injuries are never nice in football, and they should never be celebrated with bad wishes.

But Stach has now reportedly suffered ligament damage from Kilman’s challenge, which is heartbreaking for Leeds, and a selfish advantage for West Ham in the relegation picture.

Stach has been a key player for Leeds in midfield this season, which is highlighted in the table above, and as unfortunate as his injury is, it’s a small win for West Ham in some ways

Don’t forget, it’s these types of small margins that matter in a relegation battle, and let’s not pretend like Leeds aren’t paying attention to Crysencio Summerville’s current fitness issues.

Kilman has had his critics, but fans may see the centre-back’s tackle on Stach as a potential saving grace when it’s all said and done.

Kilman exit best for all parties; it’s getting unhealthy

After giving away the penalty that made it 2-0 to Leeds at the time, large sections of the London Stadium sent boos in the direction of Kilman.

It’s not something that will help the players, but of course, supporters are entitled to their own opinion.

It will be interesting to see how Nuno manages the former Wolves man from now until the end of the season, as he clearly still sees use from the central defender.

But it feels like there will be no happy ending with Kilman and West Ham, and this summer could be the perfect opportunity for both parties to agree on a departure.