Referee Tim Robinson has been criticised for a ‘ridiculous’ decision he made during Sunderland’s draw to Leeds United this evening.
Leeds United were seeking revenge over Sunderland tonight after they were narrowly beaten in the reverse fixture during Mike Dodds‘ previous interim tenure.
The Whites were desperate to move up to the top of the Championship table, and Leicester’s defeat to Millwall provided them with the perfect opportunity to do so.
Daniel Farke’s side were ‘dominant’ at Elland Road as they claimed 70% of possession, but Sunderland’s five-man defence put on a spectacular defensive display to keep the likes of Crysencio Summerville and Dan James quiet.
Leeds have now failed to score against the Black Cats this season, while Dodds’ side made it four clean sheets in five games.
It wasn’t to say the hosts didn’t deserve the victory though, with two controversial penalty decisions taking place in either half.
Dan Ballard appeared to deflect a shot away from goal with his arm which could have given as a penalty, however the second-half decision was certainly a stone wall pen.
As Joe Rodon looked to head the ball towards the goal, Luke O’Nien‘s hand seemed to be above his head and sent the ball in the opposite direction.
Sunderland won’t complain about ‘ridiculous’ decision
It was a huge let off for the visitors, while commentator Andy Hinchcliffe claimed it was a ‘ridiculous’ decision by Tim Robinson.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Hinchcliffe said: “Oh but that is clearly handball. Luke O’Nien, his right arm is up. Virtually punches the ball, O’Nien.
“That is ridiculous… but if he can’t see it, he can’t give it. Is the referee blocked off? Possibly. What is O’Nien thinking?”
Leeds United will be absolutely livid with that decision and it could potentially be the difference between them winning the league and not – or even winning promotion back to the top flight.
What can Sunderland take from a meaningless draw?
Sunderland will thank their lucky stars though, and it is certainly a relief given how many bad decisions they have had go against them during the campaign.
While it doesn’t really mean much for the Black Cats at this stage, they will certainly take it and it offers them plenty of positives heading into next season.
One thing for sure is that the partnership of Luke O’Nien and Dan Ballard is pivotal to their backline, given how poor they looked when both of them missed out with suspensions earlier this year.
Bar a shocking 5-1 defeat to Blackburn, the defence has looked much more stable in recent weeks. Now we just need to fix the problem at the other end of the pitch.