PGMOL urged to clamp down after what Richard Keys spotted in Sunderland vs Brentford

Sunderland picked up their second Premier League win in their opening three games as they defeated Brentford 2-1 on Saturday.

Robin Roefs was on hand to deny Kevin Schade from the spot, but the visitors eventually took the lead through Igor Thiago.

The impressive Enzo Le Fee managed to score his penalty to level the scoring, however, before Wilson Isidor won the game in stoppage time for the Black Cats.

Despite the chaotic scenes at the Stadium of Light, Richard Keys spotted something he didn't like.

This article contains exclusive opinion from former FIFA referee Keith Hackett.

Keith Hackett agrees with Richard Keys after what Sunderland did against Brentford

Keys was less than impressed to see the Sunderland players surrounding the referee following a penalty shout for the Black Cats.

• Before being awarded a penalty in the second half, the Black Cats had a penalty shout waved away in the opening ten minutes
• The ball struck Michael Kayode on the hand, but no penalty was given
• Despite only the captain, Granit Xhaka, being allowed to approach the referee, Habib Diarra and others were also quick to share his thoughts with the official

During the live coverage from the match on beIN SPORTS, Keys questioned how they were able to get away with it.

Former referee Hackett - speaking exclusively to Mackem News - was in full agreement with Keys on the incident.

"Whilst the PGMOL stated that they would be operating the 'captains only' rule, it is evident that it is not operating because it appears to be ignored by the on-field officials," Hackett said.

"The PGMOL officials really do need to apply this law."

• Read more: Sunderland wonderkid says goodbyes at training ground as exit mystery deepens

Regis Le Bris proves his quality again

A lot was made of Sunderland's transfer business this summer and rightly so.

In order to stay in the top flight, they needed to upgrade their squad to ensure it could suit the demands of the Premier League.

One thing that was perhaps overlooked at times is the fact that the Black Cats already had a Premier League-calibre manager in the dugout to get the best out of the players he has at his disposal.

This was proven to be the case yet again as Le Bris chose to sub on Isidor, who won the game for his side.

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