Ex-Premier League referee delivers his verdict on controversial penalty call - which left Sunderland fans fuming

Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey has delivered his verdict on the controversial penalty awarded against Sunderland at Fleetwood Town.
Ched Evans netted the penalty - but it came from a controversial decisionChed Evans netted the penalty - but it came from a controversial decision
Ched Evans netted the penalty - but it came from a controversial decision

The Black Cats fell behind to Ched Evans’ first half spot-kick at Highbury, but the decision was viewed as a soft one by the travelling continent.

Referee Anthony Backhouse adjudged Charlie Wyke to have fouled Josh Morris after a scramble in the box following a Fleetwood corner, and pointed to the spot.

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But former top flight Halsey believes that Sunderland can feel aggrieved by the call – insisting he saw ‘no foul’ in the box after watching the footage several times. He also felt Backhouse was in a ‘poor position’.

Replying to a Sunderland fan on Twitter, Halsey said: “from the footage you have sent I can not see a foul in fact, I’ve looked at it several times I still couldn’t see a foul, imo the referee is in a poor position to judge any infringement”