Sunderland told to contact Howard Webb over bizarre Man United appointment
Sunderland were unable to maintain their superb form in the Premier League after succumbing to defeat at Old Trafford.
Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko gave Man United the lead in the first half and saw out a fairly comfortable 2-0 win on Saturday afternoon.
There was a moment of controversy in the opening 45 as referee Stuart Atwell awarded Regis Le Bris’ side a penalty for a high kick from Sesko on Trai Hume inside the area.
However, Atwell overturned his original decision after a video assistant referee (VAR) review.
Keith Hackett bemused by appointment for Man United vs Sunderland
Sunderland utilised long throw-ins against Man United, with one almost leading to a penalty kick.
While the decision not to award a penalty appeared to be the correct one, former referee Mike Dean questioned the officials for the Premier League contest.
Now, former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett, speaking exclusively to Mackem News, has shared his verdict on the appointment of the officials.
“I’m somewhat bemused by the appointment of the match officials for the Manchester United vs Sunderland game,” he said.
“The VAR appointed to this game is Neil Davies, an assistant referee. Why?
“The role of VAR at the Premier League level should be a Premier League referee. I do think that this appointment should be raised with the PGMOL by the clubs. Howard Webb should be asked the question.”
Whether the referee came to the right decision or not, the flashpoint was a pivotal moment that could have changed the game.
Hackett believes Black Cats’ penalty should have stood
Robin Roefs was inspirational again for Sunderland, pulling off a magnificent save to deny Bruno Fernandes.
However, it would have been debutant Senne Lammens called into action if the Wearsiders’ penalty had been given.
Indeed, Hackett believes that the referee’s decision to award a penalty should have stood at Old Trafford.
“I can fully understand why the referee awarded a penalty kick; the boot is high and reckless,” he continued.
“For me, that is not a clear and obvious error by the referee, and VAR should not have intervened.”
- Sunderland lost their second Premier League game of the campaign
- Man United secured a third successive home win for the first time under Ruben Amorim
Now, all eyes will be on Sunderland to see if they do contact Webb about the defining incident.
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