Luton Town boss Rob Edwards praised Sunderland's 'Red Arrows' attackers - but slammed the penalty decision which gave the Black Cats a point at the Stadium of Light. The Hatters were leading 1-0 through Alfie Doughty's goal early in the second half, but Sunderland got back on terms five minutes from time when substitute Amad levelled from the penalty spot after referee Scott Oldham decided the on-loan Manchester United man had been fouled by Amari Bell.
There was clear contact between the pair and, while Oldham was initially unconvinced, he acted on the advice of his linesman and pointed to the spot. But Edwards is convinced the officials got that decision wrong, although he admits Sunderland probably deserved something from the game.
"It's very frustrating for us," said Edwards. "Sunderland are a very good team, I love what Tony [Mowbray] has done and they have really good individuals, so I'm not sitting here saying that they didn't deserve anything from the game.
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"But the equaliser has come from a wrong decision. I've been in to speak to the officials and they've explained their reasons, and they don't have the benefits of replays or VAR to make their decisions.
"The linesman felt there was a pull, there is contact between both of their arms but I don't think there was a pull and I don't think it would send the player the other way. It's a really tough one for us to take, and I'll say it again, I know it is difficult and these events happen fast - but these games are all so important for every team."
When Sunderland got back on terms, they finished the game strongly and it felt that if any team was going to win it would be the Wearsiders. Edwards said: "These are big games for both teams, and it [the penalty decision] totally changed the dynamics of the game.
"They've then got nearly 40,000 [fans] on their feet and going nuts for their team, and it changes the belief of their players. They've got about 20 forwards on the pitch, every one of them a good player, and it feels like you're playing against the Red Arrows.
"We had to dig on and we've gone from potentially getting three points to almost getting none. In the cold light of day I'll calm down and reflect, I'm really proud of the lads."
Both Sunderland and Luton played on Wednesday night and kept unchanged starting XIs, and both Edwards and his opposite number Tony Mowbray felt that their team lacked energy at times. Edwards said: "I know Sunderland were in the same boat but the turnaround from a Wednesday to a Saturday is difficult and some of the lads felt that there was a lack of energy, probably for both teams.
"Sunderland are expansive and they make the pitch big with their wide players and on the transition, you've got to spring 60-70 yards. The players put a real shift and at times, we had really good control.
"They made a quadruple change to alter the dynamic but I felt there were a lot of times where Tom [Lockyer] was getting his foot on the ball and we were keeping for periods of time. You know they'll have moments and we defended very well, but that key decision changed the game."
The Championship now pauses for the international break with Sunderland sitting 11th in the table, seven points outside the top six, while Luton remain fourth and on course for the play-offs.
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