admin“I don’t think it should even be a free kick because….”- Former Premier League ref delivers verdict on controversial call in Sunderland’s win at Nottingham Forest
Controversial Free Kick Helps Sunderland Edge Past Nottingham Forest at the City Ground
Sunderland benefited from a contentious refereeing decision as they claimed a narrow 1–0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, thanks to a goal from Omar Alderete at the City Ground.
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher weighed in on the controversy during Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, saying Sunderland were fortunate to be awarded the free kick that led to the only goal of the match.
The set-piece came after referee penalised and booked Forest’s Nicolas Dominguez for what was deemed simulation during a challenge with Trai Hume.
Gallagher, however, believed the play should have been allowed to continue.
“He gives an indirect free kick for simulation against Dominguez,” Gallagher said. “But in my view, it’s two players challenging for a loose ball.
I wouldn’t have penalised either—just let it go. The incident would’ve faded away, but instead, it escalates because Sunderland score from the resulting free kick.”
Former striker Jay Bothroyd also criticised the call on the same show.
“I don’t think the players even knew what the free kick was for,” said Bothroyd. “Both were going for the ball, and there wasn’t any real contact.
It’s a soft decision—one of those that makes people say, ‘the game’s gone.’ Football is a contact sport; you don’t want to see calls like that ruining the flow of the match.”
Postecoglou Frustrated but Doesn’t Blame Officials
Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou also voiced frustration at the free kick decision but stopped short of blaming the referee for the defeat.
While acknowledging that his side failed to properly defend Granit Xhaka’s delivery that led to Alderete’s goal, Postecoglou believed the initial foul on Dominguez should not have been given.
He also mentioned a separate incident involving Arthur Masuaku where he felt a foul should have gone Forest’s way.
“There were a series of questionable decisions—some holding in the box, the award of the free kick—but ultimately we didn’t do enough to defend the situation,” he said. “It was a really disappointing goal to concede in a match where we were largely in control.”
Postecoglou felt his side had done more than enough to deserve a result but let themselves down in front of goal.
“It’s not like their goalkeeper [Matz Sels] was pulling off save after save. It’s another game that slipped away—one we really should have won comfortably. Frustrating. Disappointing.”
admin
