Tony Mowbray has his say on Dan Neil red in Sunderland's defeat vs Middlesbrough

Sunderland lost 4-0 at home to Middlesbrough on Saturday, with Dan Neil being sent off.

Author:
Luke Phelps
Publish date:
Oct 9, 2023 11:58 AM EDT

Sunderland lost 4-0 at home to Middlesbrough on Saturday, with Dan Neil being sent off.

Sunderland suffered a shock 4-0 defeat at home vs north east rivals Middlesbrough on Saturday, with Boro scoring four in the second half against the 10 man Black Cats.

Midfielder Neil was sent off on the cusp of half time, receiving a second yellow for apparently gesticulating at referee Jarred Gillett.

It was a decision that shocked many and boss Tony Mowbray was not happy with the decision, saying after the game:

"I don't understand the logic of it. I found it ridiculous that in the manager's meeting before the game, which I have to go to, he is saying that he is going to manage the game empathetically. Local derby, 45,000, and he gives a red for gesticulating.

"It's a good game and when the referee talks about empathy before the game - he does talk about gesticulating and not crowding the referee - but I don't feel there is any empathy in showing a red card in the last minute of the first half. Surely, he's got to pull him over and use some empathy?

"Tell him to calm down. It's a great game with two teams going at it, 45,000 in the stadium. 'I'll have to show you another yellow if you shout or gesticulate more'. Where's the management from the official? I hope that's not being overly critical, I'm just disappointed because it was a really good first half."

The red card changed the game. And it wasn't the only decision that Sunderland fans felt went against them.

Mowbray may definitely feel aggrieved and he makes a good point; gesticulating in a local derby, and from what looked to be about 20 yards away from Gillett, seems very harsh indeed.

The standard of officiating in England is really be criticised this season and decisions like this don't help the referees.

Sunderland now have a two week break before returning to Championship action vs Alex Neil's Stoke City, with the Black Cats remaining in 4th place of the table despite that Boro defeat.

Whether or not Sunderland appeal Neil's red remains to be seen.

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