The explanation behind Sunderland’s controversial penalty appeal against Manchester City has now come to light after Elliot Anderson appeared to handle the ball inside the area.
Anderson was caught using his hand to knock the ball away while battling Enzo Le Fee for possession.
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At the time, Sunderland were just 3-2 behind, meaning a penalty could have given the Black Cats a huge chance to draw level at the Etihad Stadium.
However, no spot-kick was awarded, and Sunderland eventually suffered a 5-3 defeat.
งามไส้ Var อีกแล้วไง
แบบนี้คือ แฮนด์บอล ป่าวจารย์?เหตุการณ์ในจังหวะที่ Anderson มือปัดไปโดนบอลในกรอบเขตโทษตัวเอง
แต่ ผู้ตัดสินและVar ไม่ได้ให้จุษโทษแก่ซันเดอร์แลนด์?อีกแล้วหรอ Var pic.twitter.com/GpiMLxCJqx
— GUNNER NO.13 (@GUNNERNUMBER13) September 20, 2026
Brian Brobbey scored three times to become the first Sunderland player to register a hat-trick since Jermain Defoe in 2016, but his efforts were ultimately in vain. Enzo Fernandez, Rayan Cherki, Antoine Semenyo with two goals, and Erling Haaland all found the net as City continued their flawless start to the campaign.
The decision has since sparked significant discussion over whether Sunderland should have been awarded a penalty. Watch the incident below:
The Sunderland Echo reports that VAR did examine the incident before deciding to uphold referee Rob Jones’ original decision.
Elliot Anderson literally slaps the ball away… and that’s not a penalty?! 🤯
Another VAR howler. What are we even doing anymore? 😭#MCISUN pic.twitter.com/u9lfuJ6OMr
— athemved FPL (@athemvedfpl) September 20, 2026
Officials reportedly concluded that Anderson’s contact with the ball was accidental rather than an intentional handball, leading them to agree that Sunderland should not receive a penalty.
However, former referees Keith Hackett and Mark Halsey have both criticised the decision and believe the officials got the call wrong.
Hackett, the former PGMOL chief, told Football Insider: “This was a clear handball offence missed by the referee, but should have been picked up by VAR – and the outcome clearly should have been a yellow card to Elliot Anderson and a penalty kick awarded to Sunderland.”
Halsey, a former Premier League referee, also told The Sun: “Should Sunderland have been awarded a penalty? In my opinion, yes. You can clearly see that Anderson deliberately moves his arm and pushes the ball away. I’m amazed that VAR didn’t look at that and recommend an on-field review to the referee. I think Manchester City were very fortunate that a penalty was not given in favour of Sunderland.”
The defeat on Sunday leaves Sunderland in 14th place in the Premier League standings as they head into the three-week international break. Regis Le Bris’ team have collected four points from their first five matches.
Manchester City, meanwhile, have made an excellent beginning under Enzo Maresca, who took over from legendary manager Pep Guardiola during the summer.
The Citizens have won each of their five league games so far, scoring 13 times while conceding five goals.
