Praise for ‘Red Arrows’ but penalty is blasted

LUTON Town boss Rob Edwards praised Sunderland’s ‘Red Arrows’ attackers – but slammed the penalty decision which gave the Black Cats a point at the Stadium of Light.

The Hatters were leading 1-0 through Alfie Doughty’s goal early in the second half, but Sunderland got back on terms five minutes from time when substitute Amad levelled from the penalty spot after referee Scott Oldham decided the on-loan Manchester United man had been fouled by Amari Bell.

There was clear contact between the pair and, while Oldham was initially unconvinced, he acted on the advice of his linesman and pointed to the spot. But Edwards is convinced the officials got that decision wrong, although he admits Sunderland probably deserved something from the game.

“It’s very frustrating for us,” said Edwards (below). “Sunderland are a very good team, I love what Tony [Mowbray] has done and they have really good individuals, so I’m not sitting here saying that they didn’t deserve anything from the game.

“But the equaliser has come from a wrong decision. I’ve been in to speak to the officials and they’ve explained their reasons, and they don’t have the benefits of replays or VAR to make their decisions.

“The linesman felt there was a pull, there is contact between both of their arms but I don’t think there was a pull and I don’t think it would send the player the other way. It’s a really tough one for us to take, and I’ll say it again, I know it is difficult and these events happen fast – but these games are all so important for every team.”

When Sunderland got back on terms, they finished the game strongly and it felt that if any team was going to win it would be the Wearsiders. Edwards said: “These are big games for both teams, and it [the penalty decision] totally changed the dynamics of the game.

“They’ve then got nearly 40,000 [fans] on their feet and going nuts for their team, and it changes the belief of their players. They’ve got about 20 forwards on the pitch...and it feels like you’re playing against the Red Arrows.”