Sunderland saw out a 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough on Saturday, but Boro boss Michael Carrick believes the referee made a crucial mistake that may have changed the result.
In a tight affair, the Black Cats returned to winning ways thanks to Chris Rigg’s stunning backheel effort.
The result has once again proved that Sunderland are in the mix for promotion to the Premier League as they picked up their fifth victory in six Championship games.
However, the result could have gone differently if one incident early in the first half went against Regis Le Bris’ side.
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Trai Hume ‘should have been sent off’ claims Michael Carrick
Early into the game, the referee was given a big decision to make. Trai Hume committed a foul on Middlesbrough star Emmanuel Latte Lath which halted proceedings just before the 10th minute.
Despite the challenge appearing to be rash, the referee deemed it only worthy of a yellow card, much to Carrick’s frustration.
“It’s 100% a red card for the challenge on Manu,” Carrick said.
“I don’t get why that’s not been given. For me, it’s a case of when’s the line of time. When it happens so early they say it’s too early so it’s a yellow card because they don’t want to send someone off. When is the time it becomes a red card? I don’t know.
“It’s a bit of a grey area for me. I don’t know if that is the reason, but it’s hard to understand why that isn’t given. I’ve not spoken to the referee about it, just the fourth official, and calmly, I may add.”
Sunderland deserved the victory over Middlesbrough
While Carrick may point to the Hume challenge in the first half, it is one incident throughout a 90-minute game.
The Black Cats subdued Boro throughout, who barely had a chance on goal.
In comparison, while Sunderland also had few opportunities, the one they had, they made count thanks to Rigg’s skill.
In football, if an incident doesn’t go your way, you have to move on and ensure you get the result. This is where Middlesbrough clearly failed, which allowed Sunderland to take full advantage and take the three points.