Credit: Imago / TNT Sports

Harri Burton

Mon 9 March 2026 14:30, UK

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Melker Ellborg can thank his lucky stars after not being sent off in Sunderland‘s shock defeat to Port Vale in the FA Cup fifth round.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Anthony Taylor could have easily shown the goalkeeper a red card on Sunday, 8 March.

The Valiants were the talk of the weekend, proceeding to the FA Cup quarter-finals following a 1-0 win over Premier League opposition, thanks to a first-half strike from Ben Waine.

Regis Le Bris’ side pushed for an equaliser at Vale Park, but it could have gotten even worse for the Black Cats had the referee chosen a different coloured card out of his pocket in the 61st minute.

• Read more: Glenn Murray in awe of “absolutely exceptional” Melker Ellborg moment vs Port Vale.

Melker Ellborg should have been sent off at Vale Park

Ellborg came charging out of his penalty area, scything down George Hall, and despite a VAR check, Taylor was allowed to stay with his on-pitch decision of a yellow card. Hackett has disputed this.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “He’s lucky. He’s outside his area, so double jeopardy doesn’t apply. It’s safe to say that the player in possession, without the foul, goes around the goalkeeper. 

“He’s very fortunate not to be dismissed for the denial of a goalscoring opportunity (DOGSO). Double jeopardy only applies if the goalkeeper is inside the area and makes a genuine attempt to play the ball. He’s taken out the player. 

“It’s a careless challenge, so I don’t think it borders on reckless, but that’s all he needs to do. He’s fouled the player, so he’s fortunate that VAR haven’t come in here.” 

• Read more: Sunderland fans are adamant the trigger will be pulled on Regis Le Bris.

What did Regis Le Bris make of his side’s FA Cup shock defeat?

To put it bluntly, Le Bris was extremely disappointed with his side’s performance in the FA Cup.

Speaking after the game, he said, “Full credit to our opponent, Port Vale, first of all. I think they played with hunger, patience and intensity. We probably weren’t at the level because it was a second-ball game.

“There were many duels, and we didn’t show enough to impose our strength. We have to accept it, but it is not easy – I am really disappointed.”

After such an incredible start to the season, the Black Cats have fallen to 11th in the Premier League table, and having now been knocked out of the FA Cup, there is very little left for the team to play for.