‘Bit controversial’ – Sky Sports pundit shares if Sunderland star should’ve received red card v Preston | OneFootball

Sunderland maintained their lead at the top after securing a 0-0 draw against Preston away from home in the Championship on Wednesday.

The Black Cats are now two points ahead of Sheffield United, who have jumped above Leeds United after the Whites lost 1-0 against Millwall.

After the match, Preston North End boss Paul Heckingbottom was furious with one controversial decision as he felt his side should have beaten Sunderland.

He felt Sunderland defender Chris Mepham, on loan from AFC Bournemouth, should have seen red in the opening stages of the game.

Mepham was shown a yellow card after he fouled Sam Greenwood just outside the box. Heckingbottom felt that the 27-year-old defender had clearly denied the goalscoring opportunity and should have been sent off.

Sky Sports pundit Luke Chambers said that he is not convinced that Mepham made a clear foul, and therefore, the question of obstructing a clear scoring chance is doubtful.

He said: “As you see Greenwood here, he steps into Mepham’s path. He does not step in his normal running game to take the ball in his path, he steps across him which causes him to make a foul.

“For me, anywhere else across the pitch it might even go Sunderland’s way. I might be a bit controversial but it’s not as clear cut as I feel he’s made out tonight.”

A disappointing night for Sunderland at Deepdale

For the second game in a row, Sunderland drew 0-0 in the Championship, but luckily for them, other challengers, especially Leeds, couldn’t make the best out of the situation.

The Black Cats are unbeaten in their last seven games, but they need to show a bit of ruthlessness in front of goal.

Regis Le Bris’s side improved in the second half, but they failed to create enough clear-cut chances. It is a frustrating result, and they don’t deserve anything more than a point.

Sunderland face Coventry on Saturday at the Stadium of Light in the Championship before the international break.

In other Sunderland news, Jeff Stelling predicts if the Black Cats will be promoted to the Premier League next season.