Ex-FIFA referee reacts to contentious Alex Scott incident in Sunderland win vs Bournemouth
Alex Scott could have easily seen red in Sunderland’s win against Bournemouth.
Sunderland secured all three points in a 3-2 victory against Bournemouth on Saturday, despite having found themselves 2-0 down after 15 minutes.
The Black Cats have been commendable in their encounters at the Stadium of Light this season, and the against the Cherries saw them maintain their unbeaten home run.
However, the clash against Bournemouth wasn’t without some controversy, and former Bristol City star Scott was at the heart of it.
Alex Scott avoided second yellow card vs Sunderland
Goals from Amine Adli and Tyler Adams gave Bournemouth a 2-0 lead early in the game, though that is what actually seemed to wake Sunderland up.
The Black Cats started to see more of the ball, not long before Scott was booked for a late challenge on Granit Xhaka, and rightfully so.
However, just minutes later, Scott fouled Reinildo in the penalty area, with Tim Robinson, who failed to award Sunderland a penalty against Everton, pointing to the spot.
VAR checked and cleared the penalty, but Scott got away without a yellow for his challenge, and Keith Hackett believes that was the right call.
Speaking exclusively to Mackem News, he said: “It is a careless challenge, and the referee has correctly awarded a penalty kick
“However, it is not reckless, so not worthy of a second yellow card.”
Sunderland have finally addressed penalty woes
Sunderland have been awarded two penalties this season, and Le Fee has dispatched both of them.
However, it was a very different story last season, and it was starting to become a major concern in the Championship.
The Black Cats scored just one of the five penalties they were awarded last season, and that was the first of the season against Plymouth.
Wilson Isidor missed two penalties against Burnley, Patrick Roberts missed one, as did Luke O’Nien.
While it may not seem like a big thing, having a reliable penalty taker can be the difference in games, and with Le Fee, Sunderland now seem to have that.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Sunderland news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account –@mackemnews247