Regis Le Bris plays down full-time clash after leaders Sunderland beat Luton

Posted Thursday, October 24, 2024 by PA

Regis Le Bris believes Sunderland should escape punishment after tensions boiled over after their 2-1 win over Luton at Kenilworth Road in Championship.

Luton’s Carlton Morris and Tom Holmes, as well as Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham and Luke O’Nien, were shown yellow cards after the full-time whistle.

Sunderland had won the game thanks to Romaine Mundle’s sensational solo run and strike, after Luton’s Elijah Adebayo’s cancelled out 17-year-old Chris Rigg’s opener.

Despite the scenes at full-time, when asked if Sunderland should be punished, Le Bris said: “I don’t think so.

“It’s an emotional reaction so I don’t think we need to be punished for that sort of reaction. Everyone was calm a minute later so there’s no problem.”

Sunderland were fortunate to take all the points on a day where Luton dominated play.

Le Bris reiterated how proud he was of his side after they put together successive wins following their 1-0 triumph over Hull last time out to move three points clear at the top of the table.

“They have a strong style of play which is difficult with the second balls,” Le Bris added.

“They played very well and it’s hard to escape this pressure. We did well in the first five or six minutes and didn’t take the opportunity to score.

“We struggled to apply pressure to their back three and conceded many corner kicks, they are strong.

“I’m very proud of the team’s spirit and behaviour in the game. Again it’s a good win.”

The defeat for the Hatters comes after their 3-0 derby victory over Watford on Saturday and leaves them with just 11 points from their opening 11 games as they target an immediate return to the Premier League.

Luton boss Rob Edwards felt his side deserved more for their display.

“I feel disappointed at the moment,” he said.

“Credit to Sunderland, they’ve come away from home and won the game, they’re top of the league for a reason.

“We’re bitterly disappointed. We dominated the game from start to finish.”