Alex Neil has reason to be angry as controversial Sunderland footage analysed – ex-Fifa official
Sunderland defender Callum Doyle was unlucky to have conceded a penalty against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.
That is according to ex-Fifa and Premier League official Keith Hackett, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the “harsh” decision in the 1-1 draw at Plough Lane.
As shown on Sunderland’s Youtube channel (12 February), AFC Wimbledon took the lead from the penalty spot on Saturday after Doyle was adjudged to have unlawfully handled the ball inside the 18-yard box.
Speaking to club media after the result (12 February), Black Cats manager Alex Neil fumed over referee Simon Mather’s decision.
Neil insisted there was not enough distance between the two players for a handball to be given.
When asked by Football Insider for his thoughts on Saturday’s controversial first-half incident, Hackett said:
“This is the dilemma, the referee is in a very good position and he’s awarded it.
“I’ll be honest, it looks harsh. I think it is a harsh decision but it’s a judgement call.
“This is where refereeing is subjective. For me, the action is too close for the defending player to be able to do anything about his arm.
“It’s important to remember that striking the hand or arm is not always an offence. Did Doyle move his hand towards the ball? I don’t think so.
“I think this was a really tight judgement. Personally, I would not have given that as a penalty.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire has claimed things could get ‘toxic’ at Sunderland after images of Charlie Methven emerge.