Hackett: Referee made major blunder as Johnson fumes over Sunderland controversy
Sunderland should have had a penalty in their 1-0 loss to Charlton Athletic, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee criticised Darren Drysdale’s positioning when the ball appeared to strike the arm of Charlton’s Jason Pearce.
Ross Stewart guided the ball goalwards after meeting a cross with his head only for it to be blocked by Pearce.
As quoted by Chronicle Live, Lee Johnson sarcastically described the incident as a “brilliant save by the centre-half”.
“He has extended his arm,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“I think that is a penalty. I think they’re unlucky not to get a penalty kick from that.
“They’re very unfortunate not to get a penalty, I think that was a penalty.
“He’s got his left arm extended, he has made his body shape bigger. The ball has struck it, he’s handled it deliberately. Penalty.
“These are the ones that referees have got to see. To be honest with you, I don’t like his positioning. He’s to the right of the penalty area.
“The referee’s positioning is at fault here. He’s allowed too many players to block his view here. He needed to come left and open up his vision. He’s not in a position to judge that, he’s missed it. Poor piece of refereeing.”
Saturday’s result was only Sunderland’s third League One defeat of the season.
Meanwhile, it was only Charlton’s third league win of the season in their first game since parting company with Nigel Adkins.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has revealed the EFL’s Derby County ruling could ‘open the floodgates’ for Sunderland and co.