Should Sunderland Have Been Given a Penalty for the Szoboszlai ‘Push’?
The debate is still raging after Sunderland’s trip to Anfield, where Liverpool were held to yet another frustrating result — and one moment in particular dominated the post-match discussion.
Did Dominik Szoboszlai push Dan Ballard in the box? Should Sunderland have been awarded a penalty?
The Ref Watch panel on Sky Sports took a closer look at the incident, and the verdict was unanimous.
The Incident
Midway through the second half, Sunderland players appealed fiercely for a penalty after Ballard went down inside the area following contact from Szoboszlai during a long throw-in. The referee, Stuart Attwell, waved play on.
Replays showed Ballard stepping in front of Szoboszlai, feeling contact on his back, and falling to the ground. Sunderland fans were convinced. Liverpool fans were relieved. The pundits, however, saw it differently.
‘Correct Decision’ – Analysts Agree
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher explained:
“Ballard isn’t getting the ball. He feels a touch on his back and just goes down. Football is a full-contact game. Not every touch is a foul.”
Sky Sports pundit Jay Bothroyd echoed Gallagher’s view:
“Ballard knows exactly what he’s doing. He steps across Szoboszlai, then stops to initiate the contact. Both players are moving, but Ballard’s trying to buy a penalty. This isn’t Szoboszlai pushing a stationary player. It’s a clever defender trying to create a foul.”
Both agreed Attwell made the right call and that VAR was correct not to intervene.
Minimal Contact, No Penalty
While Szoboszlai did place a hand on Ballard’s back, the contact was slight — nowhere near enough to justify a spot-kick. Ballard effectively anticipated the collision and manipulated the situation.
A “stonewall penalty”? Not even close, according to the Ref Watch panel.
Bigger Uncertainties for Liverpool
The decision may have gone Liverpool’s way, but their broader issues remain unresolved.
The 1–1 draw marked another disappointing night at Anfield, continuing a slump that has seen just four wins in their last 14 matches across all competitions.
Florian Wirtz looked deflated at full-time. The squad looked drained. And Arne Slot’s pressure grows heavier with every dropped point.
Selection Questions for Leeds
Liverpool’s performance raised new questions ahead of Saturday’s clash with Leeds:
- Federico Chiesa impressed late on, making a crucial block to deny Isidor — earning praise from Adebayo Akinfenwa.
- Alexander Isak was criticized by Steve Nicol for being “invisible,” sparking debate over whether Hugo Ekitike deserves a start.
Liverpool desperately need to rediscover the energy and structure that powered their seven-game winning streak earlier this season. Right now, that early form feels like a distant memory.
