Brian Brobbey 'growing a reputation', but ex-PGMOL chief says Sunderland star correctly not sent off vs Tottenham
Brian Brobbey may have been fortunate not to be sent off following an altercation with Tottenham Hotspur's Pedro Porro in Sunderland's win.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that, while the correct decision was reached, the Black Cats' striker is growing a reputation.
Having already been involved in a couple of incidents at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, 12 April, Brobbey went into Rob Jones' notebook after just 33 minutes for an elbow on Spurs' No.23.
Nordi Mukiele scored the only goal as Sunderland beat Tottenham 1-0, but it could have been very different had the home side's centre-forward been sent off in the first half.
Brian Brobbey 'close to a red' after elbow on Pedro Porro
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the incident, the former referee said: “This is close to a red. Let’s not make any bones about it. It’s a reckless use of the arm.
"But what Brobbey was trying to do was release himself from his opponent. He handed him off. Had he brought his elbow and arm to his side, then bent the elbow and gone back with force, that’s clearly red.
“On this occasion, I support the yellow card. It’s reckless, more than a violent act or serious foul play. I’m not happy with what I’ve seen because he shouldn’t do it.
| Brian Brobbey vs Tottenham | Stats [FotMob] |
| Minutes played | 89 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 0.67 |
| Shooting accuracy | 50% (1/2) |
| Touches | 28 |
| Ground duels won | 29% (4/14) |
| Aerial duels won | 17% (1/6) |
| Fouls won | 4 |
| Fouls committed | 4 |
“He’s growing a bit of a reputation, but I’m happy they got this one right. Had he raised his arm further, it could have been a different situation.”
Should Sunderland's striker have already been booked?
Brobbey and Cristian Romero were going at each other throughout the entire game, or at least the latter was forced off with an injury in the 70th minute.
Before the 24-year-old went into the referee's notebook, he put a huge challenge in on Spurs' captain, one that should have seen him cautioned before clashing with Porro.
Mick Brown told Football Insider that Sunderland will demand a "huge fee" for Brobbey, and while he is clearly a talented player, he has a dangerous streak when it comes to potentially being sent off.