The top-flight official’s performance was deemed below-par
Barry Cooper Hull City correspondent
15:18, 13 Apr 2026
Hull City’s John Lundstram was shown a red card by John Brooks(Image: Ian Hodgson/PA Wire)
Hull City have received an apology from the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) for the performance of referee John Brooks in Saturday’s defeat to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
City were left frustrated with Brooks’ decision to send off John Lundstram for two yellow cards, the second of which came in the 75th minute with the Tigers leading 1-0 courtesy of Oli McBurnie‘s strike inside five minutes.
Lundstram was seemingly blocked by Brooks in the middle of the park, and because of that, had to deviate and caught Andre Brooks, so he was given his marching orders, which incensed the away side who then saw their grip on a crucial game slip away in dramatic fashion.
United were then awarded a penalty 10 minutes later when a host of players fell to the floor in the penalty box, with the referee, who hadn’t taken charge of a game in two months, deeming there was a foul against City.
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Gus Hamer stepped up to slot in the penalty and three minutes later the turnaround was complete when Danny Ings fired in from Japhet Tanganga’s cross.
Both Sergej Jakirovic and Oli McBurnie did not hold back in their criticism of Brooks’ performance, while United counterpart Chris Wilder understood their anger and highlighted his own frustrations at refereeing standards.
It’s understood that the head of EFL referees, Kevin Friend, contacted the Tigers on Monday to express his views on the Premier League official’s display and to apologise for the key errors that led to City’s defeat.
Lundstram was one of six City players booked by Brooks, with Ivor Pandur, Lewie Coyle, John Egan, Semi Ajayi and McBurnie also cautioned. Ex-Blade Lundstram will miss Saturday’s visit of Birmingham City, but return at Leicester City next Tuesday evening.
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