Keith Hackett has given his reaction after Sunderland were denied a penalty for handball during their defeat to Hull City.
The former PGMOL and FIFA official confidentially told Football Insider that awarding a spot kick for handball by Hull defender Lewie Coyle could have been justified.
Sunderland’s promotion prospects were given another setback on Saturday (22 February), after being humiliated by Leeds the previous week.
Hull won all three points at the Stadium of Light thanks to an own goal by goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, who was recently linked with Man United and Tottenham. Patterson misjudged a corner into his own net.
Regis le Bris’ team, on the other hand, appeared to be controversially denied the opportunity to equalise late in the game.
Sunderland see penalty appeals waved away against Hull City
As Sunderland went in search of a leveller deep into the second half, they believed they deserved to have been given the chance to accomplish just that from the penalty.
A cross into the Hull penalty area struck Coyle’s outstretched right hand and thigh before bouncing away to safety.
The home team made frenzied pleas for a penalty, but referee Farai Hallam did not give one.
As a result, this might be a pivotal moment in the Black Cats’ pursuit of Premier League promotion.
Hackett now suggests that Sunderland may have been unfairly denied a penalty, albeit he sympathizes with the official’s choice not to award one.
Keith Hackett reacts to Black Cats penalty claim in defeat
Speaking to Football Insider about Le Bris’ penalty claim, the former referee stated:
“I believe the referee saw justification for awarding a penalty kick. I believe the referee has determined that there is a degree of doubt. He only has one look at it. There are no replays, and I’m not sure if that’s actually handball.
“So I’m going to agree with the referee and say, ‘Was it deliberate? I do not think so.
“That is a tight call, it’s one you wouldn’t want as a referee!”
Sunderland are next in action with a trip to Hillsborough to play Sheffield Wednesday on Friday night (28 February).
Hull, meanwhile, boosted their Championship survival chances significantly with that victory, ahead of a trip to Cardiff City on Tuesday (25 February).
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