Ashley Williams makes red card claim after Nilson Angulo with Bruno Fernandes during Sunderland vs Man United

Ashley Williams believes Nilson Angulo was “very lucky” not to be sent off after his late flashpoint with Bruno Fernandes during Sunderland’s 0-0 draw with Manchester United.

The incident came in the closing stages at the Stadium of Light, with Fernandes left furious after appearing to be caught in the face by Angulo as the Sunderland winger tracked back. No card was shown by referee Stuart Attwell and VAR did not send the official to the monitor. Speaking on Match of the Day, presenter Gabby Logan asked whether Angulo had been fortunate to escape punishment for the incident involving the Manchester United captain.

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Williams replied: “Yeah, very lucky. Really lucky boy because I don’t know what he’s thinking here. He’s clearly... that’s not a running action. He’s clearly tried to elbow him in the face. “He’s caught him with his forearm. We’ve heard today that because it was his forearm, not the elbow, or it wasn’t enough contact, that’s not a red. Because it is a red card. That’s a naughty challenge. He’s very lucky not to be sent off.”

The incident came at the end of a game Sunderland will feel they should have won. Régis Le Bris’ side created the better chances against Manchester United, with Noah Sadiki and Brian Brobbey denied by Senne Lammens before Lutsharel Geertruida struck the post.

Robin Roefs was required late on to preserve the clean sheet, but the Angulo-Fernandes incident became one of the main post-match talking points after Sunderland were forced to settle for a point.

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