Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Mon 16 March 2026 18:15, UK

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Yankuba Minteh was fortunate not to be sent off following an off-the-ball spat with Luke O’Nien during Sunderland’s clash with Brighton & Hove Albion.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Fabian Hurzeler was right to hook the winger at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, 14 March.

Thomas Kirk was required to stop emotions from bubbling over during the Seagulls’ 1-0 win, with the only goal coming from Minteh, scoring from an almost-impossible angle in the 58th minute.

Just 16 minutes later, though, the 21-year-old could have been given his marching orders, hitting out at O’Nien next to the sidelines while play continued at the Stadium of Light.

• Read more: Liverpool have been handed a boost in their quest to sign Yankuba Minteh.

Yankuba Minteh escapes lightly vs Sunderland

After the two were separated, Kirk dished out a yellow card to the winger, and after he committed another foul 30 seconds later, but escaped a sending off, Granit Xhaka was booked for dissent.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “Wow. The temperature in the game can often sway decisions. I’d be interested in reading the referee’s report. There’s almost an attempt to strike.

“Striking or an attempt to strike is a red-card offence, so I think he’s gotten away with one. I assume that’s for adopting an aggressive attitude or unsporting behaviour.

“This actually enters the borders of being lucky to stay on the pitch. The manager, in fairness, has done the right thing. He’s done the referee’s job for him.” 

• Read more: Fabian Hurzeler remains under pressure at Brighton despite Sunderland victory.

What else did Thomas Kirk get wrong at the Stadium of Light?

The potential red card was not the only contentious moment at the Stadium of Light.

Minteh made all the difference, but he might have been fortunate to see his goal stand after Habib Diarra was thrown to the floor inside the penalty area.

While there was very little in the first push, the Black Cats’ midfielder hit the back of his head on Jan Paul van Hecke’s boot, causing quite a lot of pain for the player.

Had the referee stopped play, the Seagulls never would have scored. There was also the frustration over time-wasting, and both sets of supporters left the stadium feeling disappointed and angry.