Sunderland 1-1 Everton: James Copley reacts to VAR controversy
Keith Hackett says Sunderland are “right to be unhappy” after VAR backed a no-penalty decision vs Everton
Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett says Sunderland “have a right to be unhappy” after their major penalty appeal was rejected during the 1-1 draw with Everton at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats were left furious in the second half when Michael Keane appeared to block a cross with his arm stretched away from his body. Referee Tom Bramall waved away the appeals, and VAR quickly confirmed the on-field decision, sparking frustration among Sunderland players and supporters.
Hackett believes the officials got the key call wrong. “I think that the defender knows exactly what he is doing, and his outstretched right hand makes contact with the ball,” Hackett said. “He made no attempt to withdraw his right hand, and Sunderland have a right to be unhappy. I do believe that the hand is not in a natural position, and had the referee awarded a penalty kick, VAR would not have intervened.”
Shortly after full-time, the Premier League released a statement through their Match Centre clarifying why no penalty had been given. Officials said Keane’s arm position was judged to be “justifiable”, and therefore not an offence under the current handball guidance. The statement read: “The referee’s call of no penalty to Sunderland was checked and confirmed by VAR – with Keane’s arm deemed to be in a justifiable position.”
The decision came at a crucial moment in the match, with Sunderland pushing for a winner after Granit Xhaka’s early second-half strike cancelled out Iliman Ndiaye’s opener for Everton. Head coach Régis Le Bris admitted after the match that he had not yet seen the footage back, but those on the touchline told him Sunderland should have been awarded a spot-kick. “I haven’t seen it back yet, but those on the bench who saw it have told me it should have been a penalty,” Le Bris said.
The draw keeps Sunderland unbeaten at home in the Premier League this season, but the controversy ensured that the debate around VAR – and what constitutes a “natural” arm position – remained a central talking point after the final whistle.
What did Régis Le Bris say after Sunderland vs Everton?
Omar Alderete remains a doubt for Sunderland’s Premier League meeting with Arsenal this weekend. The Paraguayan defender has missed the Black Cats’ last two fixtures after sustaining a concussion in the 2–0 victory over Wolves. Head coach Régis Le Bris confirmed following Monday’s 1–1 draw with Everton that Alderete is still experiencing minor symptoms, with the club adopting a cautious approach to his recovery.
Sunderland had initially hoped the 27-year-old would complete his return-to-play protocols in time to feature against Everton, but he was ruled out after not fully clearing the final medical checks. His availability for Saturday’s clash with Mikel Arteta’s side remains uncertain.
Le Bris explained: “We don't know yet [whether he’ll be fit to face Arsenal], he had a residual symptom, so we have to assess his health.”
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Alderete has been a consistent presence in Sunderland’s back line this season, and his absence would represent a significant blow as the club prepares to face the league leaders.
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