Exclusive: Hackett loves behind-the-scenes Le Bris decision at Sunderland
Sunderland will need every advantage they can get as they face Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final.
The Black Cats are primed to face the Blades at Wembley Stadium this Saturday and will head into the match as underdogs.
Neither side have a particularly good record at the home of football, but the Wearsiders were triumphant during their previous visit.
As for the South Yorkshire side, they have never been promoted via the play-offs.
Referee speaks to Sunderland players pre-Wembley
With VAR set to be used in the play-off final, Regis Le Bris drafted in a referee to speak to his players.
The decision to use the technology in the final means that the Frenchman’s side will have to adapt their style of play.
This wise move by the Black Cats boss has been praised by former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett, who spoke exclusively to Mackem News.
He said: “Well done to both managers for taking this initiative and ensuring their players are all aware that VAR is in operation and how it operates.
“All the players need to be aware that there are many more cameras covering this game, and any serious foul play offences or off-the-ball clashes will be looked at by the VAR operators.”
Chris Kavanagh will referee the encounter and has produced five red cards and 117 yellow cards in 25 games.
| Premier League matches | Yellow cards | Red cards |
| 25 | 117 | 5 |
Hackett added: “Players who are issued with an early yellow card will then be walking a tightrope because this referee will not hesitate in issuing a second yellow to any player.
The Championship does not use VAR, so this will be a new experience for Sunderland, while many Blades players would have experienced it in the top flight last season.
Hackett continued: “I am in favour of using technology to improve decision-making accuracy, and it is available at Wembley, so use it.
“I do hope that the game is officiated with a great deal of accuracy from the match officials and that red cards stay sitting in Kavanagh’s pocket.
“With passions high, those early challenges need to be managed and every yellow card carefully applied.
“Let’s hope it is an enjoyable occasion; the prize for the winner is huge.”
Chris Kavanagh must manage occasion smartly
In games of this magnitude, the last thing any supporter wants is the referee to take centre stage.
We have seen it time and time again, where the person in the middle dips their hand into their pocket too early, and it can ruin the flow of the game.
There is no doubt that challenges will come flying in, given the competitive nature of the Championship.
However, rather than dish out a load of early yellow cards, Kavanagh should be more tactical and allow the game to flow.
Of course, if there is a foul that needs to be punished, then so be it, but the 39-year-old must act smart.
Neither side are used to VAR, which could play a pivotal role in proceedings on the day.
In theory, the technology should only help in the final, but people will not need to be reminded of its flaws.
Let’s hope that the match can be decided by the players and not the man with the cards.