Ex-FIFA referee stunned by ‘unacceptable’ controversy in Sunderland draw vs Brighton – ‘there was malice’
Dan Ballard put in a great shift as Sunderland drew with Brighton, but former FIFA referee Keith Hackett thinks he was lucky to see out the game.
Shay Given described Ballard as ‘immense’ on Match of the Day, as Sunderland earned a creditable 0-0 draw at Brighton to sit sixth in the Premier League, though they could still drop below Manchester United before Christmas.
Paul Merson was not impressed by the quality in Sunderland’s draw at Brighton, but ultimately a strong defensive showing from Ballard and Omar Alderete helped preserve a really good result on the road.
But on another day, Northern Ireland centre-back may have been headed for an early bath and been spending Christmas watching his team-mates from the sidelines.
Certainly Hackett felt so, as he gave his thoughts on a major flashpoint involving the towering defender at the Amex Stadium.
Keith Hackett says Dan Ballard should have seen red in Sunderland flashpoint vs Brighton
There was little to shout home about from an attacking viewpoint for Regis Le Bris, but his side certainly turned up at the back.
Ballard was front and centre of everything good about their defensive display, triumphin in 11 duels and making six clearances to help his side’s efforts FotMob.
But the 26-year-old had the Brighton bench up in arms for a late challenge that caught the shin of Charalampos Kostoulas, resulting in a yellow card.
The Premier League released a statement on the Ballard controversy and Hackett certainly felt that a red card should have been issued by Darren England.
Speaking to Mackem News, Hackett said: “Ballard should have seen red for this challenge.
“He went for the man and not the ball and there was malice in this unacceptable challenge.”
- Read more: Sunderland may yet be contacted by governing body over a decision they made against Brighton.
Ballard importance cannot be overstated at Sunderland
Ballard’s name will forever be etched into Sunderland folklore and the 26-year-old has made the transition to the top flight look effortless.
Had he been missing for the busy Christmas period, it would have been a huge blow for the Black Cats, who have several first-team players away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Ballard averages 1.3 tackles, two recoveries, 6.3 clearances, and 0.9 blocks per game for Sundrland this season, and you would not put it past him to head away an actual brick wall if he had to.
He has committed just one error leading to a shot all season, and zero when it comes to errors leading to a goal.
Ballard has great leadership qualities too, and frankly his importance to the Black Cats this season just cannot be overstated.
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