Sunderland red-card debate, Isidor exit talk and £10m midfield link
Ballard saw red for a slight hair pull on Tolu Arokodare in Sunderland’s 1-1 draw at Wolves. Pundits said the referee applied the law, but argued that classifying any hair-pulling as violent conduct needs changing.
Ex-defender Andrea Dossena criticises his 2013 Sunderland spell, alleging some players arrived at training smelling of alcohol and expressing issues with Gus Poyet’s methods after Paolo Di Canio’s exit.
Sunderland, who spent £27m on Habib Diarra last summer, are linked with a £10m target touted as an upgrade in midfield, with talks reported.
Report claims Wilson Isidor could leave Sunderland after limited starts behind Brian Brobbey, with a reduced fee mooted. Leeds are tipped to consider the striker as backup if the Black Cats sell.
Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil, set to be a free agent, will assess options after his Ipswich loan and their promotion. Ipswich, Coventry and Wolves are linked with a permanent move.
Sunderland mark the 1915 passing of their first manager, Tom Watson, who shaped early club history after roles at Newcastle East End and West End.
Sunderland host Manchester United after a three-game winless run left them 12th. The preview outlines recent form and key stats ahead of the Premier League clash at the Stadium of Light.
