Ex-PGMOL chief explains why Tyler Adams was not sent off in Bournemouth vs Sunderland
Bournemouth’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland on Saturday was full of controversy.
The Black Cats felt that they should have had a penalty in the first half before they opened the scoring.
On top of this, Evanilson’s goal was controversially allowed, despite claims that he handled the ball.
However, perhaps the most contentious moment was the decision not to send off Tyler Adams for his reckless challenge on Granit Xhaka.
Yet, upon viewing the footage, Keith Hackett has agreed with Jarred Gillett’s and VAR’s decision not to send the Bournemouth midfielder off.
- Read more: Keith Hackett: Sunderland should have been given penalty vs Bournemouth – This is why they weren’t
Keith Hackett: Tyler Adams should not have been sent off against Sunderland
Coming away from the game, Sunderland will see the match as a missed opportunity.
The Black Cats could have easily come away with three points, as Regis Le Bris looks to end their winless run.
If Adams had been sent off, it could have ensured that this was possible, with Sunderland still 1-0 up when the challenge was made.
However, despite a long VAR check, a yellow card was all that was awarded, with the midfielder remaining on the pitch until he was subbed off minutes later.
After a VAR review, Tyler Adams avoids a red card for this challenge ❌@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/Ktd2kUKyhc
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 28, 2026
While it was true that Adams caught Xhaka on his ankle, Hackett exclusively told Football Insider that the decision was the right one, and criticised the Sunderland star for his reaction.
He said: “I will support the referee for the sanction of a yellow card.
“The challenge is reckless, and the slip by the defender helps support this course of action.
“Certainly, the reaction of the opponent does not help this situation, clearly attempting to get his opponent sent off.”
What did Regis Le Bris say about Adams’ challenge?
Le Bris will no doubt come away disappointed with the result, considering how the game panned out.
Sunderland could have easily beaten Bournemouth on another day, and if one of the contentious decisions had gone for them, it is likely that this would have happened.
Instead, while the draw ended their three-match losing streak in the Premier League, it means their poor away run continues, and the Black Cats lose further ground in the race for European football.
‘It was important to show our character.’
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) February 28, 2026
RLB’s post-match thoughts… 📺👇 pic.twitter.com/2IYro0y8CV
Speaking to the Sunderland Echo on 28 February, Le Bris hinted that Adams was fortunate not to be sent off for the challenge.
He explained: “It [Adams on Xhaka] was a foot-on-foot challenge, and that is always dangerous. Often in this league, when you have this kind of action, it is a red card.
“It wasn’t, even though it was really dangerous.
“There were a couple of situations like that where things were just on the edge for the integrity of the players.
“I think it is important to protect them, even if the intensity of the game was high. It was right on the edge today.”
Read more about Sunderland’s match against Bournemouth with our expert team at Mackem News.