STOKE-ON-TRENT, United Kingdom: Sunderland manager Gustavo Poyet expressed anger and bemusement after seeing Wes Brown contentiously sent off during a 2-0 defeat at Stoke City on Saturday.
Goals in either half from Charlie Adam and Steven Nzonzi ensured Stoke City got back to winning ways against 10-man Sunderland.
Mark Hughes’ side recorded their first win in nine Premier League games as Adam found the net after 30 minutes with Nzonzi sealing victory with a late goal to send Sunderland to the foot of the Premier League table.
But the game was not without controversy when Brown was giving his marching orders after 36 minutes.
The former Manchester United defender was shown a straight red card by referee Kevin Friend following a robust challenge on Adam, despite appearing to win the ball cleanly.
Poyet reacted to Brown’s dismissal by angrily flinging his coat to the ground beside the touchline and he identified the incident as a pivotal turning point in the match.
“It was a key moment — a moment when we were trying to come back and take the game to Stoke,” said the Uruguayan, who succeeded the sacked Paolo Di Canio last month.
“We were down to 10 men for no reason. I would like to know why. If someone can explain, I will think about it. I am sure there is no explanation, so nobody will call me. I don’t even think it is a foul.”
West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Clarke revealed this week that the head of the Professional Game Match Officials Board, Mike Riley, had called him to apologise for a penalty awarded to Chelsea in their recent 2-2 draw against his side, and Poyet said that Sunderland were also deserving of an apology.
“Maybe Mike Riley needs to call me on Monday,” he said. “I will have my phone on.”
The sending off was a blow to the the Black Cats confident mood after their 1-0 win against Manchester City.
Hughes’ side, who had been 17th at the start of the day and separated from the relegation zone by goal difference, moved up to 14th.
Meanwhile Sunderland, who are three points adrift of safety, drop a place.
They now occupy the bottom spot in the table with Crystal Palace.
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