FA backed to charge Sunderland and Man City over incident that ‘tarnishes image of the Premier League’
The Football Association have been backed to charge both Sunderland and Manchester City amid scenes that unfolded at full-time of Thursday’s contest.
Sunderland dug in defensively to hold Man City to a goalless draw in the New Year’s Day clash at the Stadium of Light.
It could have been even better for Sunderland had Brian Brobbey not squandered a chance to undo City, but a point can be considered a superb result for Regis Le Bris’ men.
City were considered big favourites to beat Sunderland, so it was little wonder their players were upset come full-time.
Gianluigi Donnarumma sparks fracas at full-time vs Sunderland
Thursday’s contest was televised live on Sky Sports in the UK and on various other broadcasters around the world.
And the cameras picked up a fracas at full-time, seemingly centred around Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Donnarumma was seen shouting, with four Sunderland players around him, before Granit Xhaka ran over to calm the situation down.
Pep Guardiola then got involved and was seen in conversation with Luke O’Nien – who was earlier grabbed around the throat by Josko Gvardial – with the incident being shared on social media by Sky Sports in a clip entitled “scuffle breaks out”.
Reacting to the footage, former FIFA official Keith Hackett believes it gives a bad impression of the Premier League and he expects action to be taken.
Hackett exclusively told Mackem News: “Sadly we are witnessing an increase in post-match poor behaviour from players.
“The Football Association must take appropriate action to stop these types of incidents. The only way is to examine in detail the offenders and charge each one individually.
“Both clubs should also be charged for failing to control their players. These incidents are impacting on the image of the Premier League around the world.
“It could impact on sponsorship agreements going forward. Any fines imposed should be paid by the players and I suggest we need to start to move into £260k threshold to have the appropriate impact.”
Regis Le Bris points out what impressed him most in Man City stalemate
Sunderland continue to be linked with new players this month, but Le Bris has already worked wonders with those available to him.
Even accounting for injuries, suspensions and international call-ups over the past couple of weeks, Sunderland have managed just fine.
| Sunderland | Man City | |
| 0 | Goals | 0 |
| 0.81 | Expected goals | 2.25 |
| 10 | Shots | 14 |
| 4 | Shots on target | 4 |
| 32.3% | Possession | 67.7% |
Speaking after the Black Cats’ draw with title-chasing City, Le Bris was full of particular praise for the way his players managed to keep the Citizens’ attackers – Erling Haaland included – relatively quiet.
“It was a good game against a really strong opponent who are one of the best in Europe,” he said on Match of the Day.
“It was important to defend properly. We showed we can defend high and when they came a bit higher with their quality we had to manage the ball in the final third.
“They created many chances but the character was good. Even when we were on the edge we had one foot, one head, something to protect the ball.
Sunderland are now unbeaten in four matches, drawing the past three of those, and return to action with a trip to Tottenham on Sunday.
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