'It's a clear error' - Ex-refs chief fumes after re-analysing Sunderland penalty controversy

Sunderland were wrongfully awarded a penalty against AZ Alkmaar after Enzo Le Fee went down in the box.

That is according to former PGMOL boss Keith Hackett, who has told Football Insider that referee Jeremie Pignard made a "clear and obvious" error in pointing to the spot.

Le Fee dispatched the penalty to fire Sunderland to a 1-0 win over their Dutch opponents at the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats' first European outing in 53 years was a tight, tense affair as the visitors started on top.

Regis Le Bris' side grew into the game and were handed a golden chance to go ahead in the 64th minute as Weslley Pinto was alleged to have fouled Le Fee in the area.

His coolly taken spot kick proved to be the winner on the night, but Le Bris and his players may feel a tad fortunate at how their victory came about.

Sunderland told they should not have had a penalty after VAR failure

Sunderland fans will not care how their win came about on Wednesday night as they kicked off their European adventure in ideal fashion.

Former FIFA official Hackett believes that their winning penalty should not have been awarded, with VAR blamed for failing to intervene after Pignard's incorrect decision.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, he said: "Oh dear, the referee, in pointing to the penalty mark, has made a clear and obvious error. The Sunderland player set himself and kicked the back of the leg of his opponent. It’s not a foul and not a penalty kick.

"It is a clear and obvious error and therefore allowed VAR to intervene and for the referee to take a second look. Sunderland, I am sure, will feel rather fortunate on this occasion."

Opta issue latest prediction on Sunderland winning the Europa League

They have been fortunate in the box on more than one occasion this season, with Hackett also revealing to Football Insider that Hull should have had a penalty against Sunderland in the Carabao Cup last week.

Sunderland are off the mark in the Europa League, though, with a trip to Portuguese side Torreense up next in October.

Opta's supercomputer has updated its predictions for the competition, with the Black Cats currently fourth-favourites to win with a 9.13 per cent chance.

Benfica are the favourites, with a 17.42 per cent chance, while Bournemouth are also well-fancied, with a 14.3 per cent chance of glory.