Dermot Gallagher backs officials after Sunderland's handball penalty claim in 5-3 City defeat

Manchester City’s 5-3 Premier League victory over Sunderland on Sunday has been followed by a handball controversy, with former top-flight referee Dermot Gallagher backing the officials’ decision to wave away the Black Cats’ penalty appeal in the second half.

The incident centred on Elliot Anderson, whose arm was struck by the ball inside the City penalty area as he tussled for possession with Enzo Le Fee. Referee Robert Jones and VAR Michael Salisbury both declined to award a spot-kick, leaving Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris visibly frustrated at full time.

“It was hard to see that as not a handball. It is what it is and we have to accept the decision. It’s hard to comment,” Le Bris said in his post-match press conference.

Gallagher, reviewing the incident on Ref Watch, was unequivocal in his support for the officials. “I didn’t think it was a penalty when I saw it yesterday, and I don’t think it is a penalty now,” he said, before offering a detailed breakdown of the contact.

“If you look, first of all, when it comes in, the first offence there, the handball, is by the Sunderland player. As it runs on, it strikes Elliot Anderson on the left arm. Comes off the Sunderland player, onto the left arm, ricochets onto his right arm. He turns, it hits his hand. His right arm is the one that slaps it away.”

Gallagher stressed that Anderson had no opportunity to move out of the ball’s path. “He’s got no chance of moving. His arms are already there. He hasn’t moved his arm. It’s turning into the ball. It strikes him, there’s no doubt about that. But I still think, if that’s given as a penalty, it will be overturned, because they will say it’s just not a deliberate handball — it’s just a consequence.”

Asked whether a penalty, had it been awarded on the field, would have survived VAR review, Gallagher was equally clear. “The VAR would clearly say no, it’s not, because it’s come off the Sunderland man onto his left arm there. It’s cannoned onto his right hand as he’s turning. It’s not going to be given as a penalty.”

The verdict offers City some reassurance after a chaotic afternoon at the Etihad, where they conceded three goals despite running out comfortable winners. For Sunderland, the handball decision adds to a sense of grievance after a performance that suggested the scoreline did not fully reflect the contest.