Key Match Incident Panel backs Brentford v Sunderland decisions | OneFootball

The Premier League’s Key Match Incident Panel has supported both contentious calls from Sunderland’s 1-1 draw at Brentford, Sunderland Echo reports.

Dan Ballard’s early finish was overturned after VAR advised an on-field review, and the panel voted unanimously, five to nil, that the intervention was correct. They found Kevin Danso was offside and directly blocked goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher’s view, affecting his ability to save.

In the second half, the panel backed, by four to one, referee Thomas Bramall’s decision to give Sunderland a penalty when substitute Wilson Isidor was held by Keane Lewis-Potter. They judged Lewis-Potter was not looking at the ball and applied a clear, sustained hold that impeded Isidor’s run.

Régis Le Bris did not criticise the call but questioned the length of the review, saying a check of around four and a half minutes suggested hesitation. He added the decision ultimately was not for Sunderland.

Referees have been encouraged this season to give closer attention to holding offences, a consideration in the panel’s assessment. The five-person independent group, comprising three former players or coaches plus one representative each from ProRef and the Premier League, meets weekly to review major incidents and advise refereeing chiefs.

Source: Sunderland Echo

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