Former Premier League referee questions decisions in Sunderland games this season
Many have argued that Sunderland’s season has been hampered by poor refereeing decisions, one of which being former Premier League official Keith Hackett criticising standards.
Speaking on the Mackem in the Middle podcast, Hackett discussed the current debate that surrounds English refereeing and the constant criticism that comes their way.
Hackett said: “What I have seen in the last ten years is a decline of refereeing standards. The process of a referee is to see, recognise, think and act. If you can’t see, you can’t make the right decision.”
Over recent years, football has seen an increase in technological needs to assist referees with goal line technology closely followed by VAR. The latter often the starting point of a debate.
On the topic of VAR, Hackett said: “We’ve got clear confusion as to what is a clear and obvious error. It’s interfering with the enjoyment. It’s delaying that bite of being able to cheer on a goal. A goal is scored and everyone is waiting on the outcome, even the players.”
Whilst VAR isn’t in effect for Sunderland’s Championship season, the question has been asked as to wether it should be implemented with teams facing poor decisions each week that is costing points and results.
Hackett responded to some of the key decisions that have gone against Sunderland this season:
Decision Watch
Blackburn 2-0 Sunderland – Clarke incident in build up to opening goal
Clarke appears to be fouled before Blackburn continue and score in the same phase of play.
KH: “What we see is the left foot of the defender makes very clear contact with the Sunderland player. It’s a foul. This is an easy penalty kick. If VAR had been in operation, this is one where it would have come in.”
Offside decision for second goal
Goalscorer in clear offside position but not penalised.
KH: “He has interfered with the goalkeeper and offside should have been given.”
Coventry 2-1 Sunderland – Two potential fouls and two handballs in build up to opening goal
Luke McNally commits two potential fouls before handling the ball in build up to opening goal.
KH: “The first one is a reckless challenge, very clear yellow card offence. It was bordering red.”
