Newcastle United cruised to victory against Sunderland in the FA Cup, in a game that was not interrupted by VAR.
There were no lengthy delays or shockingly dubious decisions as Newcastle dominated against their rivals, but Chris Sutton does believe that a mistake was made during the first half.
With the score at 0-0, Miguel Almiron did brilliantly to win back possession and play Alexander Isak through on goal.
The 24-year-old looked nailed on to give Newcastle the lead in the FA Cup third round tie, only to be brought to ground by Sunderland defender Dan Ballard.
The referee waved play on, while Ballard was praised by commentator Ally McCoist for a wonderful bit of defending.
However, replays suggested that the Sunderland centre-back was slightly lucky to avoid giving away a penalty. He clearly hauled Isak to the floor, and had a good hold of his shirt as well.
Isak was furious not to receive a penalty, and Chris Sutton has stated on X that he thinks a spot kick should have been awarded to the Magpies.
Chris Sutton says Newcastle should have been given a penalty
Following the incident between Isak and Ballard, Sutton took to his official X account to deliver his verdict on the decision.
He wrote: “That should have been a penalty for Newcastle.”
Alexander Isak eventually got his chance from the spot against Sunderland
Newcastle were unlucky not to receive a penalty in the first half, but they got one in the second.
Ballard clattered into Anthony Gordon in the penalty area late in the game, giving the referee no choice but to point to the spot. While the first one was up for debate, this one was not.
It was Alexander Isak who stepped up, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to score his second goal of the afternoon and make it 3-0 to Newcastle United.
The Swede was spectacular at the Stadium Of Light, as he continues to enjoy a brilliant season in black and white. He now has 13 goals to his name, and is out in front as Newcastle’s top scorer ahead of Callum Wilson.
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