Dermot Gallagher reacts to controversial Sunderland footage vs Crystal Palace
Sunderland picked up a valuable point away to Crystal Palace on Saturday, but not without a moment of controversy.
Sunderland’s 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace was a good result, especially considering the progress that the hosts have made over the last few years.
However, the one concern that again emerged from the game was Sunderland’s lack of creativity from open play.
In the end, the Black Cats had to dig deep to get a point, though it could’ve been very different after a controversial incident in the latter stages of the clash.
Oliver Glasner thought Crystal Palace should have had a penalty
Robin Roefs ultimately earned Sunderland a point on Saturday, making a total of six saves against the reigning FA Cup winners.
However, in the build-up to one of his saves, Sunderland-linked Christantus Uche fell to the floor under a challenge by Wilson Isidor, albeit dramatically.
Crystal Palace wanted a penalty, but neither VAR nor the on-field officials deemed the contact to be enough to award it.
Speaking on Ref Watch via Sky Sports, Dermot Gallagher agreed with the decision and explained the reasoning behind his opinion on the incident.
He said: “I don’t think it’s a penalty. I just don’t see a foul. The defender has to try to go and block the ball, which he does.
“If there is any contact at all, I think it is made by the forward coming into him.”
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Football has gone soft if Crystal Palace want penalty
It seems to be forgotten nowadays that football is a contact sport, and just because there’s a coming together with players, it doesn’t mean it has to be a foul.
Isidor’s challenge on Uche resulted in minimal, if any, contact, and for such a thing to be made of the incident is quite incredible.
As for the game itself, Sunderland deserved their point, having matched the Eagles for the majority of the clash, though it goes to show where the Black Cats may struggle throughout the season.
Crystal Palace had some incredible options on the bench to change the game in the final 20 minutes, and that will be a theme throughout the season.
Starting well is going to be key for Sunderland, who, if they can replicate that level of defensive display, can achieve success this campaign.
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