AliousSunderland’s 1-0 victory over Derby County on Tuesday night could easily have been a more comfortable 2-0, as many would argue that a disallowed Wilson Isidor goal should have stood. For a brief moment in the second half, Sunderland seemed to double their lead, only for the goal to be controversially chalked off minutes later.
The disallowed goal added a layer of confusion and controversy to an otherwise straightforward win. The moment came when Jobe Bellingham delivered a ball over the top, which Enzo Le Fee controlled expertly before laying it off for Isidor, who found the back of the net. However, after what felt like an eternity—during which play continued—the referee ultimately ruled out the goal, leaving fans, players, and even manager Regis Le Bris in the dark about the decision.
### Regis Le Bris Left in the Dark Over Disallowed Goal
After the match, Le Bris admitted that he was never given a clear explanation for why the goal was ruled out. Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle, the Sunderland boss said, “I don’t know, really. Maybe with VAR we could analyze the first ball and maybe an offside, but I don’t think it was that decision. It was higher up the pitch, and at the moment, we don’t know.”
This uncertainty further fueled speculation, as both the decision and the delay in confirming it were highly unusual, leading many to believe that some form of video review had been used despite VAR not being implemented in the Championship.
### Was Enzo Le Fee’s Handball the Cause?
One theory put forward by fans and pundits was that Enzo Le Fee had handled the ball in the buildup to Isidor’s goal. Replays showed the ball bouncing up awkwardly toward Le Fee’s arm, which was raised in what could be deemed an unnatural position. If this was the case, the goal could have been disallowed under FA rules, which state that a goal must be ruled out if it follows an accidental handball by the scorer or a teammate directly involved in creating the opportunity.
However, this explanation remains speculative, as no official confirmation was provided during or after the match.
### Offside Controversy
The clearest reasoning to emerge was that the goal was disallowed for offside. Both Derby County and Sunderland’s official social media accounts later indicated this was the case, and footage from after the game appeared to show referee Sam Allison telling Isidor that the decision was for offside.
Critics, however, have pointed to replays and stills that seem to show Isidor and Le Fee being played onside by Derby defender Craig Forsyth when Bellingham played the initial ball over the top. The inconsistency between the ruling and the available evidence has only added to the frustration and confusion.
### Did Video Replay Influence the Decision?
What baffled many observers was the timing of the decision. With play allowed to continue for several minutes after the goal, it appeared as though some form of video replay had been used to overturn the decision, despite the Championship not employing VAR. The lack of clarity over whether any technology played a role has sparked debates about the league’s officiating standards and whether VAR should eventually be introduced.
### A Decision That Raises More Questions Than Answers
The disallowed goal remains a contentious topic, with no definitive explanation provided to Sunderland or their fans. While Isidor was ultimately denied his ninth Championship goal of the season, the strange circumstances surrounding the decision will likely remain a talking point for some time.
For now, Sunderland can take solace in their hard-fought victory, but the controversy surrounding the disallowed goal highlights the ongoing challenges of officiating in the modern game.
Alious
