Big Sunderland blow ahead of Leeds United clash as ban confirmed

Leeds United’s upcoming opponents Sunderland will be without a key defender due to suspension this weekend.

Daniel Farke’s side head to the Stadium of Light on Sunday looking to build on a hard-fought point at home to Manchester United. The Whites came from a goal down to draw 1-1 at Elland Road, Dominic Calvert-Lewin cancelling out Bryan Mbeumo’s first-half opener.

Weekend hosts Sunderland endured a more difficult Sunday, losing 2-0 at previously winless Bournemouth to drop into the relegation zone. The Black Cats endured a calamitous defensive performance and conceded an incredible 4.32 Expected Goals.

Sunderland went a goal down inside six minutes and their uphill task was made even harder midway through the first-half when Kevin Danso was shown a straight red card. The defender pulled Evanilson to ground when the Bournemouth striker was through on goal.

A statement on X from the Premier League Match Centre regarding the incident read: “The referee’s call of red card to Danso for denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity (DOGSO) was checked and confirmed by VAR.”

The statement also revealed what was said at Stockley Park, adding: "VAR: 'Evanilson has the ball and he's pulled to the floor outside the penalty area by Danso.'"

As a result of that red card, Danso will now serve a one-game ban. Sunderland travel to Lech Poznan in the Europa League on Thursday but Premier League suspensions don’t apply in Europe, meaning he will instead sit out Sunday’s visit of Leeds to the Stadium of Light.

Danso’s absence is a blow for the Black Cats, with the defender starting all five Premier League games since his deadline day loan move from Tottenham Hotspur. In his place on Sunday is likely to be Luke O’Nien.

The red card compounded a miserable afternoon for Sunderland, who dropped into the relegation zone as a result of their defeat. Should Tottenham get a result at home to Coventry City tonight, the Black Cats will be bottom of the Premier League come Sunday.

“It was a tough game and a really disappointing one,” Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris said of the defeat. “We had a tough start to go 1-0 down after six minutes and then to lose a man shortly after and be forced to play 75 minutes with 10 men. We were below the level today.

“It is hard to take - it is really painful. We were not Sunderland today and that is not acceptable. I am disappointed for our fans because they were with us until the end, but we were not there on the pitch, which is a big problem in the Premier League.

“Bournemouth were relentless - we made mistakes and they seized upon them. We will have ups and downs in the season – today is a big down. We need a reaction first and foremost.”