Dermot Gallagher gave his reaction to Burnley v Sunderland. (Credit: Imago)

Dermot Gallagher speaks out on contentious Burnley v Sunderland moment

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior sports journalist with experience at FanHub and the Sunderland Echo; Sunderland University graduate. FOCUS Transfer analysis and breaking news across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Josh utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, first-to-market transfer reporting. He provides the deal detail behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

20 Jan 2025, 7:48 am

Dermot Gallagher believes that Anthony Backhouse was wrong to award Sunderland their first penalty against Burnley, with a free kick and red card the correct decision.

Sunderland had to settle for a point at Turf Moor in a 0-0 draw with Burnley but the clash on Friday (17 January) didn't come without plenty of controversy.

The Black Cats were awarded two second-half penalties, with both decisions coming under scrutiny and Gallagher, speaking on Sky Sports News [20 January, 11:50am], believes the first one was the wrong call.

"I think this is a really interesting decision because if the assistant is in line, I don't know where he is, he will see that's outside the penalty area," explained Gallagher, a former Premier League referee.

"I think it's a free kick and a red card as opposed to a penalty and a yellow card."

Sunderland must take the positives from Burnley draw

While it is disappointing to come away from a game in which you had two penalties with only a point, it means that the Black Cats have taken four points off the Clarets this season and keeps them within the hunt for promotion.

Wilson Isidor was visibly distraught after missing both penalties, but the camaraderie among the squad will inevitably pull him through and get him back among the goals that have played a crucial part in the success.

Ultimately, Sunderland have been deserving of some luck this season having lost several key players to injuries, while also having plenty of big decisions go against them. But in times like that, they need to start taking advantage of it.

Sunderland hired Regis Le Bris as manager in the summer. (Credit: Imago)

An away clash against Championship strugglers Derby County will provide an excellent opportunity to right the wrongs that prevailed against Scott Parker's side.

As it stands, the Black Cats sit five points from the summit of the division, four behind the automatic promotion spots.

In other Sunderland news, Katie Kitching proved her importance to the Black Cats Women's side.

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