Michael Carrick criticises key refereeing decision in verdict on Sunderland's win over Middlesbrough

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
Sunderland beat Middlesbrough 1-0 on Saturday afternoon

Michael Carrick criticised the decision not to show Trai Hume a red card in the early stages of Sunderland's win over Middlesbrough.

Hume was shown a yellow card for a challenge on Emmanuel Latte Lath in the opening minutes of the game, with Chris Rigg going on to score the winner midway through the first half.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Carrick said his side have to be better at breaking teams down but felt that moment, alongside a missed header from Tommy Conway earlier in the half, was crucial in the final outcome.

"I thought it was pretty close," Carrick said.

"If anything I thought we probably edged it in terms of being the better team. We had more play around their box, more shots in general. It was pretty close.

"The goal is a break, it has fallen to them. Other than that I thought we limited them to a few individual moments. They have individual quality, especially in wide areas. A couple of incidents in the first half. We had the first big chance with Tommy and then a 100 per cent red card on Manu really. I don’t get why it’s not been given. Two big moments and then the longer it goes is what we are finding against teams, when they have the lead or are in the game against us they are defending with a lot of numbers and we’ve got to face that challenge, adapt and find ways to break teams down.

"I've not spoken to the referee. For me it’s when is that time when it’s a game like this. They may say it’s early and it’s a yellow card and we don’t want to send someone off to, then when is that time when it’s a red card. I don’t know when that is and it’s a bit of a grey area for me. I don’t know if that was the reason why it gets made for that. I don’t understand the time when it changes really."

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.

News you can trust since 1873
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice