In a match between Norwich City and Sunderland, Hwang Ui-jo gave Norwich the lead with a goal in the 23rd minute. There was controversy surrounding the goal, as Gabriel Sara was thought to be in an offside position during the build-up. However, he did not engage with the ball, and Fisher took advantage of defender Pierre Ekwah’s hesitation to beat him to the cross, setting up Hwang for the goal. Despite protestations from Sunderland’s players and supporters, the goal was allowed to stand.
Sunderland bounced back from the early setback and went on to win the game comfortably. Trai Hume equalised for them just 14 minutes after Norwich’s goal. Goals from Dan Neil and a penalty by Jack Clarke sealed the victory for Sunderland. This made the controversy surrounding the first goal largely irrelevant, as Sunderland emerged as the stronger team on the day.
Referee Anthony Backhouse allowed the goal to stand, and former Premier League official Chris Foy supported his decision. Foy, speaking on Sky Sports’ ‘Behind the Whistle’ segment, believed that the goal was rightly awarded. He argued that Sara was in an onside position when Adam Forshaw made the pass that led to the goal. Foy emphasized that despite claims of interference with the defenders’ ability to play or challenge for the ball, Sara’s positioning was in line with the second-last opponent, making any such claims redundant.
Ultimately, Norwich’s early lead was not enough to secure them the victory, as Sunderland dominated the game and emerged as the deserving winners. The controversy surrounding the first goal did not impact the outcome of the match, as Sunderland’s strong performance overshadowed any debate over the decision to allow the goal.
