Explained: Why Sunderland weren’t awarded a penalty for handball in Man City defeat

Explained: Why Sunderland weren’t awarded a penalty for handball in Man City defeat

Sunderland were adamant that they should have been awarded a penalty in the second half when trailing 3-2

Sunderland’s penalty appeal was reviewed by VAR during Manchester City defeat

Sunderland were adamant that they should have been awarded a penalty in the second half of their 5-3 defeat to Manchester City after an apparent handball inside the box.

The incident occurred with the Black Cats trailing 3-2, as Elliot Anderson challenged Enzo Le Fée inside the penalty area. The ball appeared to strike Anderson’s arm before making contact with his hand and then moving away from the Sunderland midfielder.

Referee Rob Jones immediately waved play on, with Sunderland players appealing for a spot-kick. However, no penalty was awarded.

The decision proved particularly frustrating for Sunderland because Manchester City quickly went up the other end and extended their advantage. Antoine Semenyo capitalised on a deflected clearance to score his second goal of the afternoon, putting the hosts 4-2 ahead.

Sunderland did respond almost immediately, with Brian Brobbey completing his hat-trick to give the visitors renewed hope. However, the deficit ultimately proved too much for Régis Le Bris’ side to overcome as City held on for a 5-3 victory.

The Echo understands that VAR did review the handball incident involving Anderson before deciding to uphold Jones’ original decision.

It was determined that Anderson’s contact with the ball was accidental and did not constitute a deliberate handball. As a result, VAR did not recommend that the on-field decision be overturned.

Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris, however, was not convinced that the correct decision had been made and admitted afterwards that he believed his side should have been awarded a penalty.

“It’s hard to say, it looks like a handball to me,” Le Bris said.

“I don’t know [why it’s not given]. They don’t explain, they just say yes or no.”

The decision will inevitably add to Sunderland’s frustration after an entertaining but ultimately painful afternoon against the reigning Premier League giants, with Le Bris’ side left to reflect on several key moments that could have changed the outcome.