Mike Dean reacts to Sky Sports footage of Sunderland v Burnley controversy
Mike Dean believes that Anthony Backhouse was right to award Sunderland their second penalty of the game against Burnley.
The Black Cats were forced to rue two missed penalties in their 0-0 draw with Burnley on Friday with both incidents coming under a lot of scrutiny.
Wilson Isidor, who has been in fine form all season, was brought down for the first one, which appeared to be outside the box while Dennis Cirkin was fouled inside the penalty area for the awarding of the second.
The decisions from Backhouse caused lots of debate on social media, with Dean, speaking on Sky Sports News [18 January 1:19 pm], claiming the second was the right decision.
“Yeah, I think this is a penalty,” explained Dean. “There are no complaints whatsoever by anybody for me. It’s a good decision by the referee.
“[Cirkin’s] just nicked it back, he’s committed the Burnley player to the tackle, misses the ball and clearly gets the man.”
Sunderland forced to rue missed chances v Burnley
While Isidor has been paramount to the success achieved by the Black Cats this season, a poor level of finishing on the day proved costly with three points there for the taking.
The Frenchman had an excellent chance early in the first half after being played through by recent arrival Enzo Le Fee, only to see his effort strike the post.
Two missed penalties followed with his emotions clear after the final whistle leading to several players from both sides consoling the striker.
Simply put, Isidor will feel the frustrations just as much as anyone else as he was seen leaving the pitch in tears [James Copley on X].
Nevertheless, in the grand scheme of things, a point away to Burnley is more than respectable for Sunderland and it keeps their promotion hopes well and truly alive but only if they can right the wrongs against Derby County in their next fixture.
In other Sunderland news, the Black Cats are looking to strike a deal to sign this Rangers star.
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