Keith Hackett reacts to ‘joke’ footage involving Sunderland player, manager right to be furious
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett completely disagrees with Dan Ballard’s sending off for Northern Ireland on Friday.
Northern Ireland lost 1-0 to Slovakia courtesy of a late Tomas Bobcek goal, before Ballard was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 99th minute.
As a long throw came forward, the Sunderland star used his body to prevent Stanislav Lobotka from winning a header, which referee Istvan Kovacs deemed to be enough for a second yellow card.
As a result, Ballard will be suspended for Monday’s clash against Luxembourg, and Hackett – as well as Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill – has questioned the decision.
Michael O’Neill furious with Dan Ballard’s sending off
Ballard’s aerial threat was crucial in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal, and it was his emphatic strike that sent the Black Cats supporters into delirium.
However, it was his undoing on Thursday, and after the match O’Neill said: “The yellow card for Daniel is a joke, if you look back at it, it is poor.”
When speaking exclusively to Mackem News, Hackett agreed with the Northern Ireland manager.
He said: “The second yellow card was more than harsh. The referee reacting to the player going to ground. We see this type of challenge taking place in almost every game.
“Football is a contact sport and I am satisfied that the player did not use his hand/arm in a reckless manner.
“It was not worthy of the second yellow card that was judged incorrectly by the referee.”
Ballard still had a brilliant game, and Black Cats supporters may be quietly pleased that he won’t be at rick of getting injured on international duty due to his suspension.
Dan Ballard has emerged into one of the Premier League’s best centre-backs
Regis Le Bris has done an excellent job with the Black Cats, and Ballard has played a massive role in crucial goals that have left Sunderland 4th going into the international break.
Ballard scored a powerful header against West Ham on the opening day of the season, and he’s made a habit of scoring huge goals at the Stadium of Light.
Ballard has also been impressive on the ball, registering a pass accuracy of 82.7 per cent, but it’s clear where his strengths lie, making 26 touches in the opposition box, which is more than any other centre-back has achieved.
His performances in recent wins over Wolves and Chelsea have been incredible, but Ballard took his levels to a new high against the league leaders on 8 November.
The 26-year-old made five clearances and four headed clearances at the Stadium of Light, and his brave defending typifies
Ballard has received widespread praise for his performances, and his red card against Slovakia means he’ll next be in action on 22 November when Sunderland travel to Fulham.
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