Sunderland beat Newcastle United 2-1 at St. James’ Park on Sunday.
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has hailed Anthony Taylor for his “absolutely perfect” officiating display in Sunderland’s late Tyne-Wear Derby victory over Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon.
The Black Cats came from behind to snatch all three points against their local rivals in a contest that was full of incident and drama. At one point, the match was paused due to an allegation of racist abuse directed at defender Lutsharel Geertruida by a Newcastle supporter, while Taylor was also at the centre of the action as he waved away a penalty shout and disallowed a goal for the home side.
But speaking during an appearance on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, Gallagher and fellow pundit Jay Bothroyd were quick to praise the official for the manner in which he handled a challenging encounter in the North East.
What has been said about referee Anthony Taylor’s performance during Sunderland’s win over Newcastle United?
When asked for his opinion on the manner in which Taylor dealt with the situation involving Geertruida, Gallagher responded: “Just like the game - absolutely perfect. If you ever want to see how to referee a football match, this was it. But it has all kinds of challenges. This is one we never want to see, but he was just so calm. He did everything correctly. And the great thing about it was he let everybody know seamlessly. I just think it was it was done perfectly.”
Bothroyd added: “I mean, Geertruida as well, speaking to the referee, letting officials know. The way Anthony Taylor handled it was perfect. And that's the only way we're going to get this racism out of our beautiful game.”
Gallagher also issued his verdict on a potential penalty for Newcastle, with Anthony Gordon going to ground following a slight coming together with Chris Rigg partway through the first half. The ex-official was asked whether Taylor had been right to wave away the incident, replying: “I think so. I don't think Rigg does anything wrong. He's always got his foot planted. He doesn't make a challenge. And I think Anthony Gordon actually invades his space. I just think it's unfortunate. It's almost like Gordon catches Rigg rather than the other way around.”
Bothroyd said: “I think what Gordon's done there, he's just trying to get his body in. I don't think he's trying to dive. I think he's just trying to get his body in across the ball. But I don't think it is a penalty. I think if you give penalties for that, that's really soft. If the defender was to try and kick it or clear the ball or pass it and he catches it, then it's a different conversation. But I don't think that was the right decision that was given.”
Gallagher continued: “I don't think it's a dive either. But I think you're absolutely right because Rigg does nothing wrong. He's always got his feet planted. He doesn't make a challenge. It's almost like, ‘I'm going to stop where I am because if I stop where I am, I'm clear’.”
His colleague then concluded: “And he knew as well. He didn't even have to protest. He didn't do that kind of thing. He just knew that's not a penalty.”
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Finally, Gallagher offered his view on Newcastle’s disallowed goal at St. James’ Park, with a Malik Thiaw header chalked off after it was deemed that Jacob Murphy was in an offside position and interfering with play in the build-up.
He said: “It's a great spot because he's definitely interfering with the keeper. He's actually in physical contact with him, so he impacts his ability to save the ball. He's also in his line of vision, but not a goal.”
Bothroyd agreed, stating: “I think that's an easy one, to be honest. I mean, if we ever talk about interfering with play, that's the most obvious one because he's actually having contact with the keeper.”
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