“Did VAR favored Sunderland against Sheffield United?”- Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris makes VAR stance clear as Chris Wilder left fuming
Sunderland Seal Premier League Return with Comeback Win Over Sheffield United
Sunderland staged a thrilling second-half comeback to defeat Sheffield United in the Championship Play-Off Final and secure promotion back to the Premier League.
Manager Regis Le Bris maintained his typically composed demeanor in the post-match press conference after his side overturned a first-half deficit at Wembley.
Tyrese Campbell had given the Blades the lead before goals from Eliezer Mayenda and Tommy Watson sealed a dramatic 2-1 victory, ending Sunderland’s eight-year spell outside the top flight.
The game’s turning point came in the first half, when Sheffield United believed they had doubled their lead.
After a corner was only partially cleared, full-back Harrison Burrow struck a superb volley into the bottom corner, appearing to put the Blades firmly in control.
However, the goal was ruled out following a VAR review. Referee Chris Kavanagh, advised by VAR official John Brooks, determined that Vinicius Souza was in an offside position and had obstructed goalkeeper Anthony Patterson’s view, prompting the decision to disallow the goal.
The call sparked jubilant celebrations among Sunderland fans and marked a pivotal shift in momentum.
Although Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder praised Sunderland and Le Bris after the match, he couldn’t hide his frustration over the VAR intervention.
“We play 46 games, two play-off matches, and then a subjective call from the referee changes everything,” Wilder said. “I don’t believe the keeper would’ve saved it anyway. It gave them a boost and shifted the energy.”
Le Bris, however, avoided engaging in any post-match controversy, instead offering a measured response.
“Sometimes the fine margins go in your favor, sometimes they don’t,” he said. “VAR was in place for both sides today. In this case, it worked in our favor, and that helped us.”
With the win, Sunderland now look ahead to top-flight football once more, capping a memorable end to their campaign.
