Sunderland fans saw their side drop three points on the weekend to Portsmouth. The loss ended an incredible nine-game unbeaten run for Phil Parkinson’s side where the Black Cats managed to win five games. But the result wasn’t the worst part of the match for the Sunderland fans.
During the match, Joel Lynch was stretchered off after being knocked unconscious. Parkinson spoke to the media after the match claiming he was unsure of the player’s condition. Since then, it appears as though the club have received positive news and that the injury isn’t as serious as they first thought. Despite this, fans are concerned about the player and aren’t sure what to think. They can’t believe the referee let play continue for as long as he did after Lynch was hit.
Really, really, really, poor refereeing. #safc
— James Hunter (@JHunterChron) February 1, 2020
It was desperately poor refereeing to not stop play immediately when Lynch first went down.
— Roker Report (@RokerReport) February 1, 2020
Forward pushed Lynch into McLaughlin – injured. Wyke clipped by defender, falls into GK – injured. Ref was apparently oblivious…
— Justin Warner (@jayjaydubyah) February 1, 2020
Personally I think the club should lodge an official complaint as the referee basically put Lynch,s life in danger and before anyone says it yes I know it wont change the result.
— Anne Hudspith (@hudspith_anne) February 2, 2020
@EFL Will anyone be reviewing the conduct of the referee during yesterday’s march between @Pompey and @SunderlandAFC? Joel Lynch left lying unconscious on a pitch whilst the referee allows play to continue. Delaying treatment and breaching head injury protocols.
— Mike Taylor (@MikeyTaylor83) February 2, 2020
Have we still not got any news on Lynch by the way? Last we heard it was described as a “serious head injury” and nothing since. Worrying.
— JamSarny (@Jam_Sarny) February 2, 2020
Do you think the referee should be under investigation?
Yes
No
What do we think?
The referee should be under serious scrutiny. A player’s health is the most important thing in any football match. It is the referee’s responsibility to keep all players safe, and it seems he failed to do that during this match.