Keith Hackett reacts to Coventry v Sunderland controversy – Exclusive
Sunderland suffered a 3-0 defeat against Coventry City as they were outplayed by Frank Lampard’s men, who were on the right end of a big refereeing call.
Regis Le Bris’ side were shocked with Coventry City’s domination over the 90 minutes as the Sky Blues emerged victorious at the Coventry Building Society Arena on Saturday (15 March).
Haji Wright scored a hat-trick for the hosts as Lampard’s men reclaimed fifth position in the table with 59 points, two ahead of West Brom.
Despite the loss, Sunderland remain fourth in the Championship with 69 points, but are now nine points away from third-placed Burnley.
Coventry awarded penalty in Sunderland win
Sunderland conceded the first goal in the 21st minute, as Wright slotted the ball from outside the box in the bottom-right corner.
As the hosts continued to dominate possession and ask questions of the Sunderland attack, there was a feeling that a second goal was coming soon.
In the 28th minute, Wright was released onto goal and as he drove forward with the ball, the USA international was brought down by Chris Mepham and a penalty was awarded.
| Opposition | Home/Away |
| Millwall | Home |
| West Brom | Away |
| Norwich City | Away |
| Swansea | Home |
Sunderland players disputed that the contact was outside of the box and a free-kick should have been awarded instead of a penalty.
The penalty decision stood, though, and Wright converted from the spot in the 29th minute to get his second goal of the afternoon.
Upon reviewing the footage, ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett gave his verdict on the incident.
Speaking exclusively to Mackem News, Hackett said: “Yes, that was inside the penalty area and it was therefore the right call.
“The line forms part of the penalty area. So it’s a penalty kick and also yellow card.”
Sunderland stay fourth in the Championship?
With this loss, the Black Cats remain fourth with 69 points. It is looking as though the Mackems are set for a fourth place finish, which would see them compete in the Championship playoffs for a place in the Premier League.
They are nine points behind third-placed Burnley and ten points above fifth-placed Coventry. Unless Le Bris’ side drop wholesale points in upcoming fixtures, they are destined to finish fourth.
Burnley are progressing well and look unlikely to drop nine points in the remaining games, so Sunderland find themselves in the middle of nowhere where they can’t jump Burnley and are safe from any threats from Coventry.