Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett claims Sunderland were robbed of a win after a ‘clear and obvious error’ by VAR allowed Everton’s controversial opening goal to stand.
Sunderland fans have a “right to be aggrieved” after a controversial refereeing decision allowed an Everton goal to stand during Monday’s 1-1 Premier League draw, according to former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett.
The result, secured on Matchday 10 at the Stadium of Light, has left supporters frustrated, believing the Black Cats were denied a crucial win that would have elevated them further into European contention.
Everton took the lead in the 15th minute through Iliman Ndiaye, before Granit Xhaka leveled for Sunderland shortly after the break. While the draw maintained Sunderland’s fourth-place standing with 18 points, the key moment of contention was Everton’s opener.
Hackett, speaking to Mackem News, argued that the build-up to the goal involved a clear foul on Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki, who ended up on the ground after physical contact.
The official reason for the goal standing was the on-field decision by referee Tom Bramall, which was not overturned by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), Michael Salisbury.
Hackett was unambiguous in his assessment of the officiating: “Sunderland have the right to be aggrieved that the goal scored by Everton was allowed to stand.
There is evidence that the Sunderland player, having lost the ball, was unfairly impeded and physical contact resulted in him ending up on the ground.”
He further criticized the VAR intervention, or lack thereof, stating, “I would have anticipated that after the goal is scored that the referee would have been asked to visit the pitchside monitor to review the incident…
To allow the goal to stand was, in my opinion, a clear and obvious error, and referee (Tom) Bramall was let down by VAR Michael Salisbury.”
Sunderland next faces league leaders Arsenal, making the dropped points against Everton a costly missed opportunity for Regis Le Bris’ side.