Ex-refs chief: Craig Pawson nearly sparks 'mass confrontation' as Sunderland-Fulham footage analysed

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Credit: Imago Mon 23 February 2026 15:00, UK Craig Pawson’s lack of intervention could have sparked a mass brawl between Sunderland and Fulham at the Stadium of Light.That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the referee appeared to lack confidence in footage doing the rounds on social media.Emotions were running high as the Cottagers ran out 3-1 winners on Sunday, 22 February, as Raul Jimenez netted one of his two goals from the penalty spot, and a third came from Alex Iwobi.Enzo Le Fee was also successful from the spot, but it was nothing more than a consolation for the Black Cats. Fulham free-kick.Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said, “The learning point is blow the whistle early, and give a foul to the defence.

But when there’s a player on the floor, that’s a potential mass-confrontation trigger, which is why you need a quick blow of the whistle.”Read more: Regis Le Bris is accelerating a deal for a new striker at the Stadium of Light.What did the fans make of Craig Pawson’s performance?Supporters were not overly enthusiastic about Pawson, to say the very least.But then again, in his day and age of Premier League refereeing, which fans actually end a matchweek happy with their official?Sunderland were absolute dross today. But Craig pawson was equally as honking.— TR (@tomrud23) February 22, 2026 View Tweet Does Craig Pawson have something against Sunderland?

It seems every time we get him he’s utterly dreadful. Another game where he struggled to control… an unbelievably soft penalty and how many times can Jimenez jump leading with his elbow?— Michael (@michael27208) February 22, 2026 View Tweet It is easy for supporters to pick out the negatives, especially when not being awarded a penalty or a goal is allowed to stand, controversially.Pawson, however, is facing a lot of criticism online, and by the looks of it, fans do have reason to voice their complaints.