'Unacceptable' - Keith Hackett outraged by Pro Ref's claim on Man City vs Sunderland controversy

Howard Webb and Pro Ref are convincing nobody after releasing information on Manchester City's clash with Sunderland.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the reason for not awarding the Black Cats a penalty is not in line with the rules.

Elliot Anderson, a boyhood Newcastle United fan, was the centre of controversy when escaping punishment for handling the ball inside the area.

At the time, the score was tied at 2-2 on Sunday, 20 September, with Brian Brobbey cancelling out goals from Enzo Fernandez and Rayan Cherki.

Enzo Maresca's side would eventually go on to run away with the game in 5-3 thriller at the Etihad Stadium, but the tables could have easily been turned.

However, it was explained on BBC's Match of the Day 2 that the initial hit on Enzo Le Fee's hand was what made the incident "too complicated" for VAR to get involved with.

Pro Ref officials are making 'unacceptable' mistakes

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett rejected Pro Ref's reasoning behind the Citizens escaping a certain penalty against Sunderland.

"They indicated to Match of the Day that the first offence was a Sunderland handball. And I've looked at that," he said.

"The law... I study it. I've written about it. I have my comments about the law and how it's penned, and I know the negativity about it because, often, there's too much subjectivity.

"Look, we're human; we make mistakes. You'll get mistakes. Whatever you do, and how forensic you are, you'll get mistakes.

"But the reality is that what we're seeing at the moment with some of the bigger decisions is unacceptable."

Which officials should be at the 'forefront'?

Referees continue to make mistakes, which is exactly why the VAR officials from the Manchester derby are currently sitting on the sidelines.

Hackett believes that Webb has more than enough talent at his disposal, though, naming who he believes are setting the example this season.

"Adam Ertzog this weekend was introduced into the Premier League. Farai Hallam has got presence, stature, and he's an outstanding referee. But he hasn't got the experience yet," he told Football Insider.

"Sam Barrott, I think, is a capable referee. And there's Jarred Gillett. So these guys should be at the forefront."