Sunderland AFC news: Ex-referee gives surprise verdict on Jack Clarke's penalty shout against Watford

Ex-referee Dermot Gallagher has delivered a surprise verdict on Sunderland’s penalty shout against Watford.
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Sunderland came from behind twice to draw 2-2 at Watford at Vicarage Road in the Championship last Saturday.

The hosts took the lead in the 34th minute when striker Keinan Davis was presented with a tap-in after Hassane Kamara’s low cross.

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Defender Aji Alese then drew Tony Mowbray’s side level on the stroke of half-time after his effort sneaked over the line.

WATFORD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: Hamza Choudhury of Watford in action during the Sky Bet Championship between Watford and Burnley at Vicarage Road on August 12, 2022 in Watford, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)WATFORD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: Hamza Choudhury of Watford in action during the Sky Bet Championship between Watford and Burnley at Vicarage Road on August 12, 2022 in Watford, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
WATFORD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: Hamza Choudhury of Watford in action during the Sky Bet Championship between Watford and Burnley at Vicarage Road on August 12, 2022 in Watford, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Watford started strongly in the second half and retook the lead when Luke O’Nien headed the ball into his own net, yet Black Cats substitute Jewison Bennette scored a dramatic equaliser three minutes from time.

However, Mowbray and Sunderland were left calling for a spot kick after Watford's Hamza Choudhury pushed Black Cats winger Jack Clarke in the back.

Former referee Gallagher told Sky Sports: "I think this isn't a penalty either. He feels the player on him, and throws himself forward. I don't think that amount of contact would make the player go down like that - and that's what convinced the referee not to give a penalty."

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Sunderland now face an international break and are not back in action until October 1, when they face Preston North End at the Stadium of Light, which is quickly followed by another home game against Blackpool on Wearside three days later.