Ex-Premier League referee: Sunderland may be at centre of EFL investigation as controversial footage emerges
The EFL should investigate Hull City after they confronted the referee at half-time of their 1-1 draw with Sunderland on Saturday (17 October), according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee admitted that Gavin Ward could have diffused the tension better but Hull City’s actions were still unacceptable.
As shown on the highlights posted on the club’s YouTube channel, the hosts wanted a penalty when Luke O’Nien brought down Oscar Estupinan as they challenged from a cross.
Ward waved their appeals away but was confronted by a number of players when he blew for the interval.
“I think this is an area that is challenging for the authorities,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“It is now becoming part of the game at half-time where the referees are confronted. The players look to be nice from afar but are having a real dig at them.
“It takes two to make an argument so Gavin Ward should have in fact been making his way towards the tunnel rather than standing there and inviting the confrontation.
“I think the EFL and the authorities have got to take a look at this and say ‘It’s on the increase, what can we do to stop it?’
“They should have that discussion off the field with clubs and players to say ‘You’re not going to change a referee’s mind’.”
Hull City were eventually awarded a penalty in the second half but Estupinan missed from the spot.
They earned a draw through a late equaliser from Ozan Tufan.
In other news, Sunderland have made a move to sign an Aston Villa star and he may go in January.