Sunderland took the lead with a penalty against Plymouth Argyle on Saturday. However, former Premier League referee Chris Foy has stated that Sunderland should not have been awarded the penalty during the first half of their away defeat.
In the 24th minute, Patrick Roberts converted a spot kick after Bali Mumba was judged to have fouled Chris Rigg in the box. Despite Sunderland’s early lead, Plymouth came back in the second half to take a 2-1 lead. Romaine Mundle later scored an equalizer for Sunderland, but Joe Edwards secured the win for Plymouth with a late goal, ensuring all three points for Wayne Rooney’s team.
Foy, speaking to Sky Sports, argued that the penalty awarded to Sunderland was incorrect. He explained that the contact on Rigg, which led to the penalty, was minimal and did not significantly hinder Rigg’s ability to continue the play. According to Foy, the referee should have allowed the game to continue instead of awarding the penalty.
Roberts’ goal on Saturday was his first for Sunderland since his stoppage-time equalizer against Watford in April of last year. After a goal-less 2023/24 season, Roberts has shown improved form in the new season.
