Sunderland Defender Wes Brown's Red Card At Stoke Bewilders Everyone

Worst Decision Of The Season? Brown's Red Card At Stoke Baffles Everyone
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Sunderland's Wes Brown leaves the pitch after being shown a red card for a challenge on Stoke City's Charlie Adam
Martin Rickett/PA Wire

Sunderland defender Wes Brown's red card at Stoke City is a genuine candidate for worst refereeing decision of the Premier League era.

Brown was dismissed by referee Kevin Friend for leaping into a tackle on Charlie Adam, yet made no contact with the Stoke midfielder. Mackems boss Gustavo Poyet was understandably livid with the decision.

Gif Of Wes Brown's Red Card

It is only the second sending off of the 34-year-old's career, although it will almost certainly be rescinded.

Brown's only other red card was when he was playing for Manchester United in a 1-0 victory at Liverpool in January 2005.

The former England international made his first start in nearly two years a fortnight ago, and was named man of the match in the Black Cats' win over Manchester City.

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Sunderland players remonstrate with Kevin Friend

It is the second League match in succession in which Stoke have benefitted from an astonishing refereeing decision, after the late penalty they were awarded at Swansea by Robert Madley.