Few think Sunderland deserved anything from their 1-0 defeat against Hull City on Saturday. But many think a penalty should’ve been awarded to the Black Cats.
Sunderland fell to their first league defeat of the Championship season on Saturday, losing 1-0 at home to Hull City owing to a first half own goal from Anthony Patterson.
Patterson is facing growing criticism from Sunderland fans but the bigger picture remains a positive one. Regis Le Bris has the club in 4th place of the Championship table with 12 games left to play.
But there’s certainly cause for concern. Not just Patterson, but the likes of Jobe Bellingham was poor against Hull City, and Chris Rigg too, with definite signs of players tiring as the long-haul Championship seasons goes on.
And as ever, the Championship isn’t too far away from refereeing controversy. During the game against Hull City, Sunderland had two penalty shouts from a handball with one in either half. But it was the second half shout that has fans talking.
Michael Graham verdict on Sunderland penalty shout vs Hull City
As the game moved into its final 10 minutes, Sunderland players and fans were left fuming after referee Farai Hallam didn’t award what looked like a nailed on penalty, after the ball popped up and struck the hand of Hull City captain Lewie Coyle.
Coyle appeared to have his hand raised in a somewhat unnatural position, which journalist Michael Graham believes makes it a penalty by the current laws. Though Graham points out that Sunderland weren’t deserving of the win anyway. A point though would’ve still be a welcome one.
Graham posted on X…
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Sunderland’s next five Championship fixtures
Up next for the Black Cats is a trip to Sheffield Wednesday for a Friday night kicks off. Then it’s a Saturday game against Cardiff City followed by a midweek, Tuesday night showdown at Preston North End.
Sunderland then play away at Coventry City before breaking for the March internationals, retuning to action with a visit from Millwall.
There’s certainly winnable games thrown in there, but the Hull game was deemed a winnable one: Sunderland need to rediscover their quality and a two-week break in March could be just what they need.
The Black Cats can’t be relying on penalties and refereeing decisions to put points on the board. They’re 4th in the table for a reason and they need to put this defeat behind them quickly, and react against a strong Sheffield Wednesday side next week.