Explained: Why Sunderland weren't awarded a penalty for handball in Man City defeat

VAR did review an apparent handball by Elliot Anderson in the second half of Sunderland's 5-3 defeat to Manchester City, The Echo understands.

Anderson appeared to handle the ball as he challenged Enzo Le Fée in the box, with the ball striking one arm and then his hand before moving away from the Sunderland midfielder. Referee Rob Jones waved play on and to add insult to injury for the Black Cats, the hosts went up the other end and scored shortly afterwards when Antoine Semenyo capitalised on a deflected clearance to score his second goal of the day. That extended Manchester City's lead to 4-2 and though Brian Brobbey pulled another goal back shortly afterwards to complete his hat trick, the deficit was too great for Sunderland to claw back.

The Echo understands that VAR did review the incident but cleared the decision from Jones, as it was decided that it was an accidental action from Anderson and therefore not a deliberate handball.

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Speaking after the game, Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris said he felt his side should have been awarded a penalty.

"It's hard to say, it looks like a handball to me," he said.

"I don't know [why it's not given]. They don't explain, they just say yes or no."