Referee admits penalty error in Sunderland’s loss to Liverpool

Referee Chris Kavanagh has reportedly admitted to Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris that he made a mistake by failing to award a penalty for a foul on Brian Brobbey.

Referee Chris Kavanagh has privately conceded to Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris that he erred during the Black Cats’ recent defeat to Liverpool.

The official acknowledged he “should have awarded Sunderland a penalty” following a challenge on striker Brian Brobbey by Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate.

The incident proved pivotal in a match where Sunderland felt hard done by several high-profile officiating calls.

The admission offers little consolation to Le Bris, whose side left the encounter without points.

While the Black Cats’ manager appreciated the honesty, the decision not to penalize the foul on Brobbey remains a major talking point.

Kavanagh reportedly told Le Bris he “made a mistake” after reviewing the footage, which clearly showed illegal contact inside the area during the contested Premier League fixture.