Roy Keane, manager of Sunderland, had been apologised to by the Chief of Referees Keith Hackett.

The apology comes in the wake of a controversial decision made by referee Mike Riley when he adjudged Sunderland’s defender Nyron Nosworthy to have brought Manchester City’s forward Daniel Sturridge down in the penalty area. The resulting penalty was successfully scored by Elano.

Keane said after Hackett had contacted him on his mobile that the apology was of little consequence and that his side has been on the receiving end of a number of controversial decisions this season.

Manchester City went on to win the match 2 – 1 at the Stadium of Light.