Exclusive: PGMOL insider delight at Madley after Sunderland v Coventry incidents
Keith Hackett has delivered a glowing verdict on the performance of referee Andy Madley during the Championship play-off clash between Sunderland and Coventry City.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the official provided a “first class” show of officiating as he oversaw that game at the Stadium of Light.
Dan Ballard’s dramatic goal deep into stoppage time in extra time sent Sunderland to Wembley for the play-off final later this month, after earning them a 3-2 aggregate win over the Sky Blues.
Even before that though these had been plenty of incidents in that match which Madley had been forced to deal with.
Andy Madley heavily involved in play-off drama
Early in the game, Hackett roundly praised Madley for booking Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor for diving, while speaking to Mackem News.
Shortly after, Madley once more caught the eye for penalising Coventry ace Tatsuhiro Sakamoto for a foul throw, which he then awarded to the Black Cats.
There were more incidents after the break, with the referee again hailed by Hackett to Mackem News, this time for booking Sunderland star Jobe Bellingham and Coventry goalkeeper Ben Wilson.
| Sunderland last five games | Result |
| Blackburn (H) | Lost 1-0 |
| Oxford (A) | Lost 2-0 |
| QPR (H) | Lost 1-0 |
| Coventry (A) | Won 2-1 |
| Coventry (H) | Drew 1-1 (AET) |
That came after the pair had been involved in a scuffle after an awkward landing between the two inside the Sky Blues penalty area, which had prevented Wilson from starting a quick attack.
With Hackett feeling Madley got the right decision on all of those incidents alongside an otherwise impressive performance, he was quick to pay tribute to the referee.
Sunderland vs Coventry referee receives major praise
Speaking to Football Insider about Madley at half time in that game, the former referee said:
“Referee Andy Madley can be very pleased with his first half performance. Reading the game brilliantly and delivering a high standard of accuracy in his decision making.
“Confident and alert, moving well and taking up some good viewing positions. That’s the first half and first game over.
“Now he must come out and start the second half (second game) with the same level of concentration and decision making accuracy.”
“He needs to be aware that the temperature in the game will vary with some players getting anxious and frustrated if they see their opportunity to win eroding.”
After Coventry had managed to get the goal they needed to take Sunderland to extra time, Hackett then added at the end of the 90 minutes: “Andy Madley has delivered a first class performance.
“Now he starts game number three where he needs to maintain concentration and the one thing that he will not want is a game changing error.”
While Ballard did get that incredible late winner for the Black Cats, there were no major controversies for Madley in extra time, giving the referee reason to be pleased with his efforts at the Stadium of Light.