Exclusive: Hackett reacts as Kavanagh announcement follows Sunderland v Sheff United incident
Keith Hackett has shared an instant reaction to the main incident in the play-off final between Sheffield United and Sunderland.
The Black Cats have had a difficult Saturday afternoon (24 May) at Wembley with Luke O’Nien being forced off after just eight minutes.
The Blades have the lead after Tyrese Campbell put a cool finishing touch after a cruel counter-attack, after some superb work from Gustavo Hamer.
Things could have been so much worse for Regis Le Bris and Co., with Hackett sharing his reaction to the main moment of controversy in the capital.
Hackett reacts to Sunderland v Sheffield United controversy
There is no doubt that the Blades have gotten the better of the north-east club throughout the opening exchanges in the capital.
The Black Cats have had a general lack of chances, with a speculative Chris Rigg volley being the only moment to force Michael Cooper into a save.
On the flip side, Chris Wilder’s side have had a number of excellent chances with Kieffer Moore bringing the best out of Anthony Patterson after just two minutes.
The 25-year-old keeper was then involved in a moment of huge controversy on 34 minutes as Harrison Burrows appeared to have made it 2-0 at Wembley.
Ultimately, the goal didn’t stand as Vini Souza was adjudged to have impacted the Mackems’ number one from an offside position.
Now, former PGMOL chief Hackett has spoken out after referee Chris Kavanagh opted to rule out the strike at the VAR pitchside monitor.
Speaking exclusively to Mackem News, Hackett said: “The second goal scored by Sheffield United was correctly ruled out for offside.
“The Sheffield United player was interfering with the goalkeeper. Absolutely correct for the referee to go and review the incident at the screen.
“The announcement by the referee helps the process by stating how he came to the decision. Correct procedure and call by the referee and VAR.“
Sunderland given lifeline v Sheffield United
It is now the job of Le Bris to get into his players throughout the interval to help turn the tide after a frustrating first half.
There was little positivity to speak of for the Black Cats besides a Rigg snapshot and an electric turn and run from Eliezer Mayenda, which ended without a chance.
The French head coach now has to assess his options as the likes of Wilson Isidor, Patrick Roberts, and Tom Watson remain as options off the bench.