Credit: Imago / Nova Sports

Harri Burton

Sat 9 May 2026 18:00, UK

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Nilson Angulo could have easily been sent off during Sunderland’s goalless draw against Manchester United on Saturday.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Black Cats’ substitute deserved to be punished for his challenge on Bruno Fernandes.

Both sides were forced to settle for a point each at the Stadium of Light on 9 May, but the home team could have gone down to 10 men in the 89th minute, thanks to a moment of stupidity.

Despite a VAR review, Angulo avoided any sanction for what appeared to be a clear elbow attempt on United’s captain, but Hackett is not convinced that it was a clear-cut red card in Man United’s 0-0 draw.

Nilson Angulo put in ‘borderline’ challenge on Bruno Fernandes

It would have been a rather disappointing end to an impressive home display from Regis Le Bris’ men, but Angulo somehow avoided any punishment at all after landing a blow on the United superstar.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “The player has used his arm illegally, and his actions are, in my opinion, reckless. It is borderline a red card, but is lacking excessive force.

“I look for a bent arm, clenched fist and a backward movement using the elbow as a weapon. This is a minimum yellow card.”

Moments after the incident, Matheus Cunha went to ground in search of an equaliser, but as he looked up, he was greeted by a yellow card from Stuart Attwell for an act of simulation.

The downfall of VAR exposed in Sunderland vs Man United

Hackett is often critical of VAR technology in the Premier League, not because of the technology itself, but because of the rules around it and those using it.

At the very least, Angulo should have been shown a yellow card, but because Attwell didn’t see it in real time, and VAR didn’t believe it was worthy of a red card, it was swept under the rug.

PGMOL referees should be allowed to check the monitor at their own discretion, not wait for the VAR official to recommend a review of the incident. It makes zero sense.

Across the Premier League, the technology was used perfectly as Fulham and Bournemouth were both reduced to 10 men after challenges from Ryan Christie and Joachim Andersen.