Michael Beale: 'I don't want to be moaning about the referee, but...'

Sunderland 'cost themselves' at Birmingham, according to Michael Beale, but he was still not impressed with the referee.

Michael Beale criticised the referee for issuing a costly yellow card to Dan Ballard in the Championship defeat to Birmingham City.

Ballard was cautioned in the second-half for a foul, despite appearing to win the ball cleanly.

However, it was a tenth booking of the season for Ballard, and that means he will now be forced to sit out the games against Swansea and Norwich.

Michael Beale reveals Sunderland double injury blow as bad week gets worse

Beale, though, was less than impressed by referee Stephen Martin.

“On a day where we’ve cost ourselves, I don’t want to be moaning about the referee,” Beale said.

“But in that moment, Dan played the ball so it’s a harsh yellow to get. I didn’t think it was a yellow card, I would like the fourth official to help the referee out there.

Ballard’s suspension does mean another chance for Jenson Seelt in his preferred position, though.

The Dutchman deputised for Ballard before this season, in the 3-1 home win over Birmingham, and he has impressed at right back and on the right-hand side of a back three.

He will now have a chance to stake a claim for more starts, and Beale is confident it is one he will grasp.

“Jenson’s been waiting for his opportunity to play at centre half so he’ll get it now,” Beale said. “I have no doubt he’ll come in and add to the team as well.” 

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