Howard Webb set to intervene as Sunderland take action after Everton drama
Howard Webb has been backed to make a visit to Sunderland to provide clarification over a contentious moment in Monday’s draw with Everton.
Granit Xhaka struck early in the second half to earn Sunderland a 1-1 draw against Everton at the Stadium of Light.
Xhaka was superb for Sunderland all game, further strengthening his claim as being the Premier League’s signing of the summer.
Iliman Ndiaye had earlier opened the scoring for Everton, who missed a glorious chance through Thierno Barry to make it 2-0 before Sunderland eventually woke up.
Indeed, Regis Le Bris’ stern words sparked Sunderland into life in the second half and the Black Cats were the side more likely to claim all three points in the end.
That may well have been the case if not for a contentious refereeing call from Thomas Bramall, who gave Everton a reprieve when the ball struck Michael Keane on the hand fairly late on.
Sunderland write to PGMOL to seek clarification
Everton’s first goal against Sunderland was fortunate to stand due to a foul in the build-up, which went punished after a VAR check.
A far more contentious decision was made later in the game, though, when Noah Sadiki’s cross hit the hand of Everton defender Keane.
Bramall decided it was not worthy of a spot-kick, and VAR did not ask the official to check the pitchside monitor.
Now, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie via X on Tuesday, Sunderland have formally written to the Premier League and PGMOL asking why they were not awarded a penalty.
Sunderland also want to know why VAR did not ask Bramall to take a second look.
Keith Hackett expects Howard Webb to pay Sunderland a visit
Now that Sunderland have formally reached out, Keith Hackett – speaking exclusively to Mackem News – believes the logical next step is for PGMOL head Webb to pay Sunderland a visit.
And Hackett, who previously held Webb’s role, also agrees Sunderland should have been awarded a penalty for the handball incident.
| Pos | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points |
| 4 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 18 |
“I do believe that a visit and discussion around the decision not to award Sunderland a penalty-kick should be the action that Howard Webb takes,” he said.
“In my opinion, the defender held out his right arm that came into contact with the ball. His body shape was larger and it was a handball offence.
“Sunderland should have been awarded a penalty kick. VAR was wrong to not intervene and referee Thomas Bramall has every right to be disappointed that he did not receive the appropriate support.”
While Webb providing an explanation – and potentially even admitting his officials got it wrong – would appease Le Bris somewhat, it does not give Sunderland those two extra points they likely would have gained.
It is yet another example of terrible refereeing in what is supposed to be the best league in the world.
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