Sunderland defender, Trai Hume has discussed the difference between individual referees and the decisions they make.
Dan Neil was sent off on the brink of half time which ultimately changed the game on the day.
Middlesbrough took the lead just 15 minutes into the second half through boyhood Black Cat, Sam Greenwood.
Matt Crooks doubled their lead two minutes later. 12 minutes later Isaiah Jones made it three with no reply.
Marcus Forss scored a misery compiler to end derby day in a 4-0 defeat.
What was the Dan Neil incident?
The midfielder was given a yellow card earlier in the first half for a challenge on halfway.
His tackle on Josh Coburn was deemed worthy of a yellow in spite of there appearing to be little contact on the forward.
His second yellow is where the real controversy came to the fore.
Following a foul being given in favour of his side, Neil complained about a challenge further up the pitch, which didn’t draw a foul.
These complaints appeared to be normal, but the referee didn’t see it that way.
He saw yellow again and received his marching orders. The Sunderland players were bewildered, but the decision was made.
What has Trai Hume said about the referees?
The red card being given on half time truly changed the game, although the away side had a positive first half overall.
With that being said, Hume agreed: “I thought in the first half it was an even game until the sending off which kind of kills it.”
The atmosphere changed around the Stadium of Light and the game plan was changed. Counter-attacking became necessary but it didn’t work.
Hume’s annoyance was around some inconsistencies with referees and discussions you can have with them.
“Some referees you can talk to and some referees you can’t so they need to find that balance because we want to talk to them.
“Dan tried to speak to the ref and he showed him a yellow card and then a red straight after.”
It was a frustrating moment for the Black Cats and contributed to a disappointing result. On another day the decision goes another way and so does the result.