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SUNDERLAND CAME FROM BEHIND TO BEAT SHEFFIELD UNITED IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY-OFF FINAL AND WILL PLAY PREMIER LEAGUE FOOTBALL NEXT SEASON 16:00, 25 May 2025 Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris

played his post-match press conference with a typically straight approach having seen off Sheffield United to win promotion back to the Premier League. Tyrese Campbell's first-half

strike gave the Blades the lead, before Eliezer Mayenda and Tommy Watson completed a dramatic second-half turnaround to end the Black Cats' eight-year absence from the top flight.

However, the result could have been different entirely had Harrison Burrow's first-half volley stood, which would have put the Blades two goals to the good just after the half hour

mark. Sunderland could only half clear a corner to the Sheffield United left-back on the edge of the area, who struck a brilliant volley into the bottom corner beyond Anthony Patterson.

However, referee Chris Kavanagh was sent to the monitor by Videa Assistant Referee John Brooks, advising the on-field official that Blades' midfielder Vinicius Souza was offside for the

goal, impacting Patterson's line of sight. The goal was disallowed and Sunderland supporters celebrated the moment like it was a goal of their own. The decision to disallow the goal

was the turning point in the game, with the Black Cats showing great character to come from behind. Article continues below Despite being complimentary of the Black Cats post-match and

congratulating Le Bris on a return to the top flight, Wilder was left fuming about the decision to use VAR in the final. “We play 46 games, two play-off games and all of a sudden it’s a

subjective decision by the referee,” he said in his post match press conference. “I don’t think the goalkeeper saves it, I don’t think he gets anywhere near it. I thought it gave them a

lifeline with some real energy.” For Le Bris, he wouldn't be drawn into any war of words, despite making it clear in the build-up to the game that his players would need to be aware of

extra scrutiny. Article continues below "The details are sometimes for us, or against us," Le Bris said in his post match press conference. "It depends on the situation.

"It's difficult to comment on the decision because VAR was there for both teams. At the end, it was a positive addition for us."