Sunderland v Millwall controversy: Former Premier League referee reacts
Sunderland were involved in controversy as they secured a 1-0 win against Millwall on Saturday.
The Black Cats welcomed Alex Neil back to the North East on 29 March and secured three points for the first time in three games.
A Trai Hume strike after just 20 minutes was the difference between the two sides as Regis Le Bris’ side opened up a 13-point gap to Coventry City in sixth.
Things could have been so different at the Stadium of Light as referee Robert Madley had a big decision to make, which former Premier League official Chris Foy reacted to.
Foy reacts to Wilson Isidor controversy v Millwall
Despite a general lack of chances for the away side, the Lions do have reason to suggest that they were hard done by in SR5.
Neil’s side only registered two shots on target, clocking up an expected goal tally of 0.82 while also missing their only big chance of the clash [FotMob].
With that being said, the South East London outfit may have had the opportunity to create more chances if they played against 10 men.
Isidor could have been sent off for a lunging challenge on Tristan Crama but was ultimately shown a yellow card by Madley.
Foy believes this was a fair decision as he told Sky Sports (1 April): “I think the action of Sunderland’s No18 here is reckless and the referee correctly judges the situation by only showing him a yellow card.
“Following a heavy touch, the Sunderland No18 commits to a tackle and follow-through contact is made with the Millwall No52, who also attempts to play the ball.
“Whilst Sunderland No18 does get a touch on the ball, the challenge disregards the consequence to his opponent who he should see approaching, and the referee does well to correctly identify that the challenge lacks the excessive force and high degree of danger that would be required for a red card for serious foul play. A yellow card is therefore the correct outcome.”
Isidor gets away with one v Millwall
When a player takes a heavy touch and makes a lunging challenge it can make for a poor challenge and sometimes a red card.
The 24-year-old got away with one on this occasion as there was little follow-through or force on his challenge, which made it easier for Madley.
This allowed for the Black Cats to maintain control of the clash against Millwall and see out a result despite Luke O’Nien’s missed penalty.
This stands Le Bris’ side in good stead with seven games remaining until the play off campaign kicks off with a potential clash against Coventry waiting.
The French head coach will need his best players available like Isidor, so avoiding stupid challenges that could end in red cards will be necessary.