AliousSunderland may find themselves facing disciplinary action from the EFL following their 1-0 win over West Brom, according to ex-PGMOL referee Keith Hackett. The Black Cats clinched victory at The Hawthorns thanks to a 35th-minute goal from Trai Hume, who capitalised on a goalkeeping error from Joe Wildsmith. However, an off-field incident could overshadow the three points.
At half-time, Sunderland’s players were slow to return to the pitch, resulting in a brief delay to the second-half restart. West Brom’s players, already out and ready, were visibly frustrated—midfielder Alex Mowatt notably so. While Baggies manager Tony Mowbray didn’t address the issue during his post-match comments, referee Tom Nield was seen having a word with Sunderland captain Dan Neil at the time.
Hackett, speaking to *West Brom News*, speculated that the delay may have been a calculated act of gamesmanship and revealed that such delays are typically flagged in the referee’s report. “Sunderland coming out late could be an act of gamesmanship. The referee will include this in his post-match report and the EFL are more than likely to issue a fine,” he said.
This isn’t the first time Hackett has called for scrutiny on Sunderland. Earlier this season, he urged disciplinary action for incidents involving the club during games against Coventry and Preston North End—although no retrospective measures have been taken.
Meanwhile, Sunderland are also monitoring a new fitness concern. Winger Romaine Mundle was forced off in the first half with a hamstring issue—the same hamstring that had sidelined him earlier in the season. Head coach Régis Le Bris expressed concern, stating, “We’ll have to wait one or two days to assess how serious it is, but it is the same hamstring.”
Rather than replacing Mundle with usual backup Tommy Watson, Le Bris introduced Eliezer Mayenda, who made an immediate impact. The substitute earned the free kick that led to Hume’s match-winner. Despite West Brom dominating possession and registering over 20 shots, Sunderland’s resilience and clinical set-piece execution saw them over the line.
The victory sees Sunderland all but confirm their place in the top six, while West Brom slip out of the play-off spots as the season’s decisive moments approach.
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