Why Sunderland Didn't Get Penalty For Elliot Anderson Handball

· GiveMeSport

An explanation has now emerged after Sunderland were controversially denied a penalty against Manchester City

The reason why Sunderland were controversially denied a penalty after Manchester City’s Elliot Anderson handled the ball inside the box has now emerged.

Anderson was seen swatting the ball away with his hands while jostling for possession with Enzo Le Fee.

Sunderland were only trailing 3-2 by this point - and a penalty would have presented the Black Cats with a golden opportunity to level the scores at the Etihad Stadium.

Instead, the penalty wasn’t given, and Sunderland went on to lose the match 5-3.

Brian Brobbey became the first Sunderland player to score a hat-trick since Jermain Defoe in 2016, but it wasn’t enough to secure victory as goals from Enzo Fernandez, Rayan Cherki, Antoine Semenyo (2) and Erling Haaland maintained City’s perfect start to the season.

Subsequently, there’s currently plenty of debate over whether Sunderland should have been awarded a spot-kick.

The Sunderland Echo understands that VAR did review the incident but cleared the on-field decision from referee Rob Jones.

It was decided that it was an accidental action from Anderson, rather than a deliberate handball, meaning the officials were in agreement that no penalty should be awarded.

However, former referees Keith Hackett and Mark Halsey both strongly disagree with the decision, claiming the wrong verdict was reached.

Hackett, the ex-PGMOL chief, told Football Insider: “This was a clear handball offence missed by the referee, but should have been picked up by VAR - and the outcome clearly should have been a yellow card to Elliot Anderson and a penalty kick awarded to Sunderland.”

Meanwhile, ex-Premier League ref Halsey told The Sun: “Should Sunderland have been awarded a penalty? In my opinion, yes. You can clearly see that Anderson deliberately moves his arm and pushes the ball away. I’m amazed that VAR didn’t look at that and recommend an on-field review to the referee. I think Manchester City were very fortunate that a penalty was not given in favour of Sunderland.”

Sunday’s defeat means Sunderland currently sit 14th in the Premier League table heading into the three-week international break. Regis Le Bris’ side have picked up four points from their opening five fixtures.

City, on the other hand, have enjoyed a dream start to life under Enzo Maresca, who replaced the legendary Pep Guardiola in the summer.

The Citizens have won all five of their league fixtures, scoring 13 goals and conceding five.

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