'Referees are getting lazy' - Ex-PGMOL chief furious after analysing Man City vs Sunderland footage

Howard Webb has a serious issue on his hands after another major mistake in the game between Manchester City and Sunderland.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that referees are "getting lazy" and have a "lack of understanding" of the laws.

Enzo Maresca's side claimed victory in an eight-goal thriller at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, 20 September, despite a hat-trick from Brian Brobbey.

The Premier League classic has been overshadowed, certainly on social media, following a blatant decision that went against the Black Cats.

Elliot Anderson appeared to slap the ball away with his hand in the penalty area, with the scored tied at 2-2 at the time of the controversial incident.

Pro Refs have stood by the decision, claiming that Enzo Le Fee handled the ball first, but the incident has been heavily disputed by fans from all over.

Sunderland deserved to be awarded penalty vs Man City

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett has delivered a cut-throat verdict on the Premier League's officials after Sunderland were not awarded a penalty.

"This is the impact negative of VAR. They see VAR as a life belt. This is why I argue that some referees are getting lazy," he said.

"It is around these critical decisions where you want to take ownership of the decision. You don't want to be criticised for the errors that you and your colleague make.

"There's a lack of understanding, I think, that the referee on the field of play is the important guy that makes the crucial decisions. Even VAR protocol talks about the referee making the decision and having a look and seeing it.

"So I think the whole process that we've talked about for some years now is not good. I don't think they're getting any better.

"I think we're seeing referees who are holding back from their decision-making because they're over reliant on VAR."

What did Pro Ref say about the decision?

The incident has caused quite a stir after full-time. With the game at 2-2, who knows what might have happened had the Black Cats taken the lead.

And speaking on BBC's Match of the Day 2, Kelly Cates revealed: "The information from the referees is that it hits Enzo Le Fee's hand first."

"Then, the proximity to the ball, the natural body position, and all the things they look at, meant that it was too complicated to give handball."

Supporters have not bought this explanation in the slightest, and Hackett, a former head of the PGMOL, is right alongside them in disgust.