Le Fee rescues point for Sunderland after penalty

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 6, 2026

Sunderland earned a 1-1 draw away at Brentford thanks to Enzo Le Fee’s penalty in the 82nd minute, overturning an earlier goal by Vitaly Janelt that had put the hosts ahead. The result marks a notable improvement for Sunderland at the Gtech Community Stadium, while Brentford must manage injuries and controversial officiating as they prepare for upcoming fixtures.

Sunderland secured a late draw against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Wednesday, with Enzo Le Fee converting a penalty in the 82nd minute to level the match at 1-1. The result marked a significant improvement for Sunderland, who had suffered a heavy defeat at the same venue earlier this year.

The match began with Sunderland dominating possession but failing to convert their chances. A key moment came early in the second half when Brentford’s Vitaly Janelt struck a half-volley to give the hosts the lead. Sunderland appeared set to pay the price for not capitalizing on their first-half advantage.

Controversy arose in the eighth minute when Brentford’s Dan Ballard scored, only for the goal to be disallowed after a lengthy VAR review. The video assistant referee ruled that defender Kevin Danso, making his debut after transferring from Tottenham Hotspur, was offside and obstructed goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher’s sightline. The decision was met with frustration, as the review lasted nearly five minutes before referee Thomas Bramall made the call.

Brentford faced further challenges when captain Nathan Collins was forced off due to injury within the first 20 minutes. Despite going behind, Brentford responded with three substitutions at halftime, a tactical move by manager Keith Andrews that appeared to reinvigorate the team, as reflected in Janelt’s opening goal.

Later in the match, Sunderland substitute Wilson Isidor was adjudged to have been fouled by Brentford’s Keane Lewis-Potter inside the penalty area, resulting in a spot-kick. Le Fee, who had previously missed a penalty at this stadium earlier in the season, opted for a straightforward strike this time and successfully converted to bring Sunderland level.

Keith Andrews expressed mixed feelings about the officiating, stating, “I need to be a bit careful. Overall I didn’t love the decisions today. In terms of the penalty, I don’t have too many qualms about it.” He also acknowledged his team’s improved performance in the second half, noting, “We caused ourselves a lot of problems. We were better in the second half. We started fighting more, did the ugly side of the game and played with a bit more conviction.”

The draw leaves Sunderland with a hard-earned point after a match marked by disciplinary challenges, tactical adjustments, and contentious refereeing decisions. Brentford, for their part, will look to regroup following the injury to Collins and the late concession of the equalizer.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.