‘The referee is wrong’ – Ex-FIFA official reacts to contentious incidents in Luton v Sunderland
Former FIFA and Premier League referee Keith Hackett believes Sunderland should have had their opening goal ruled out against Luton Town.
The Black Cats increased the gap at the top of the Championship to three points thanks to goals from Chris Rigg and Romaine Mundle, who have both been key players for Sunderland this season.
Regis Le Bris, who has been a gem in the Sunderland dugout this season, was relieved that his side were able to see off the Hatters.
Luton had a goal ruled out for offside when the score was 0-0 before feeling hard done by when a foul wasn’t given in the build-up to either of Sunderland’s goals.
Speaking exclusively to Mackem News, Hackett reviewed some of the contentious calls from Wednesday’s (24 October) game.
Keith Hackett reviews controversial Sunderland v Luton decisions
Incident 1 – Luton goal ruled out for offside
Carlton Morris thought he had given the hosts a late first-half lead when firing beyond Anthony Patterson. Play was called back for offside, leaving the striker frustrated.
As seen in the above image, Morris (9) is clearly onside however number 18 is standing in an offside position.
Number 18 proceeds to come back from an offside and seems to make a deliberate attempt to play the ball.
Referee Verdict – Correct decision
Hackett: “So from the cross, the player is in an offside position which in itself is not an offence. However, the player then pulls back and makes a deliberate play for the ball. At that point, he is correctly judged to be offside – correct decision.”
Incident 2 – Alleged foul by Wilson Isidor in the build-up to Sunderland opener.
Perhaps against the run of play, Rigg gave Sunderland the lead in the second half, pouncing on a loose pass from Tahith Chong and dispatching through the legs of ‘keeper Thomas Kaminski.
As seen above, the chance presents itself following an aerial duel involving Isidor, who appeared to win the ball despite Luton complaints.
Referee Verdict – Incorrect decision
Hackett: “The white-shirted player (Isidor) has been very clever. It was certainly not to win the ball. He has fouled his opponent and at that point, the referee should have awarded a free kick. The referee appears to be in a good position to judge the contact and in my opinion, the referee is wrong not to penalise.”
Incident 3 – Alleged foul by Jobe Bellingham on Chong in the build-up to Mundle’s goal.
Sunderland’s second of the game was dispatched magnificently by Mundle, getting his fourth of the season. However, the passage of play initially starts with a Luton attack before the Black Cats are able to regain possession and counter.
Luton were fuming that a foul wasn’t given for an alleged pull on Chong before a sliding challenge from Trai Hume gained possession of the ball.
Referee Verdict – Correct decision
Hackett: “Under current guidelines, referees are not going to penalise the aged pullback because it did not impact play.“
Incident 4 – Penalty shout after an alleged push from Hume
As the hosts looked to find a way back into the game, a cross found Jordan Clark at the back post who seemed to theatrically throw himself in the air before claiming for a penalty.
Clark was able to get on the end of the cross but sent an effort harmlessly wide of the post, claiming he was fouled in the box.
Referee Verdict – Correct decision
Hackett: “This is an act of simulation and the player is fortunate not to have been yellow-carded. His actions are an attempt to deceive the referee. Decision – not a penalty kick, the correct decision by the referee.”
In other Sunderland news, Carlton Palmer believes that Sunderland should have one eye on promotion before considering their right to activate a buy-clause in Wilson Isidor’s loan deal.
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