Ex-PGMOL chief: Sunderland star 'growing a bit of a reputation' as red card avoided vs Tottenham

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Credit: Imago / Sky Sports Mon 13 April 2026 11:15, UK Brian Brobbey may have been fortunate not to be sent off following an altercation with Tottenham Hotspur‘s Pedro Porro in Sunderland’s win.That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that, while the correct decision was reached, the Black Cats’ striker is growing a reputation.Having already been involved in a couple of incidents at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, 12 April, Brobbey went into Rob Jones’ notebook after just 33 minutes for an elbow on Spurs’ No.23.Nordi Mukiele scored the only goal as Sunderland beat Tottenham 1-0, but it could have been very different had the home side’s centre-forward been sent off in the first half. Let’s not make any bones about it.

It’s a reckless use of the arm.“But what Brobbey was trying to do was release himself from his opponent. Had he brought his elbow and arm to his side, then bent the elbow and gone back with force, that’s clearly red.

I’m not happy with what I’ve seen because he shouldn’t do it.Brian Brobbey vs TottenhamStats [FotMob]Minutes played89Expected goals (xG)0.67Shooting accuracy50% (1/2)Touches28Ground duels won29% (4/14)Aerial duels won17% (1/6)Fouls won4Fouls committed4“He’s growing a bit of a reputation, but I’m happy they got this one right. Had he raised his arm further, it could have been a different situation.” Should Sunderland’s striker have already been booked?Brobbey and Cristian Romero were going at each other throughout the entire game, or at least the latter was forced off with an injury in the 70th minute.Before the 24-year-old went into the referee’s notebook, he put a huge challenge in on Spurs’ captain, one that should have seen him cautioned before clashing with Porro.Mick Brown told Football Insider that Sunderland will demand a “huge fee” for Brobbey, and while he is clearly a talented player, he has a dangerous streak when it comes to potentially being sent off.