Ex-Fifa official U-turns as controversial Elliot Embleton footage emerges from Sunderland
Elliot Embleton deserved to be sent off as Sunderland drew 1-1 with Hull City on Saturday (17 December), according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee admitted he had changed his mind but now backed the official’s original decision.
As shown on the highlights posted on Hull City’s YouTube channel, Embleton was sent off when he came together with Ryan Woods on the halfway line as they challenged for a header.
Referee Gavin Ward showed him a red card as he was stretchered off as he came off worse.
As quoted by the Chronicle on Sunday (18 December), Tony Mowbray claimed the decision was “rash” and the player had gone to hospital as a result of the challenge.
“Initially I thought he got this wrong and was six of one and half a dozen of the other,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“The problem was, the Sunderland player had got more elevation and I can understand why the referee has dismissed him. It doesn’t matter if he’s on the stretcher or not, if the referee thinks that’s a red card offence, so be it.
“What makes the referee think it’s a red card offence is that the player goes in pretty high on his opponent.
“What he’s clearly saying is that the player had launched himself off the ground and was out of control at that point. There is every justification to send that player off by the way he launched himself.
“If you look at how high his boot is, that’s why he’s sent him off.
“I’m not having a go at the referee on this one. I think his judgement is sound from what he’s seen.
“The angle from behind gives you a better view. It’s a difficult one for the referee.”
In other news, Sunderland have made a move to sign an Aston Villa star and he may go in January.