Sunderland Boss Suggests Referee vs Liverpool Admitted to Making Huge Error

In a dramatic Premier League clash at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland's unbeaten home record in the 2025-26 season came to an end with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Liverpool. The match, which saw Arne Slot's side under pressure amid recent poor form, was decided by a 60th-minute header from Virgil van Dijk, securing vital points for the Reds despite heavy late pressure from the hosts.[1]

The game's major controversy erupted in first-half stoppage time during a tense tussle inside Liverpool's penalty area between Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey and defender Ibrahima Konate. Brobbey appeared to get behind Konate as a cross came in but fell to the ground, prompting furious penalty appeals from the home side. Referee Chris Kavanagh waved away the claims, with VAR official Darren England upholding the on-field decision.[1][2]

Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris revealed post-match that Kavanagh privately admitted to him at half-time that he had made an error in not awarding the spot-kick. According to Le Bris, the official acknowledged the tangle between Brobbey and Konate warranted a penalty, fueling outrage among the Black Cats' camp.[2][4]

Contrasting views emerged from former FIFA referee and ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett, who backed the officials' call. Hackett argued no penalty was due, describing the incident as mutual grappling that's increasingly tarnishing the game. He suggested a "safety-first" free-kick to Liverpool would have been appropriate, criticizing players for wrestling over playing football.[1]

The feisty duel saw Brobbey accused of hanging onto Konate in an attempt to feign a foul, highlighting debates over physicality in the box.[3] Liverpool held firm to grind out the win, showcasing resilience, but the referee's alleged admission has reignited officiating scrutiny in the Premier League.

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