Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce has claimed that referee Martin Atkinson cost his side a point in their Premier League clash against West Bromwich Albion.
The 60-year-old tasted defeat in his first game in charge of the Black Cats as Saido Berahino's 53rd-minute strike was enough to hand the Baggies the victory.
However, Allardyce believes that Atkinson missed a foul on keeper Costel Pantilimon by the striker before he slotted the ball into the net, while the Sunderland boss also feels that the England Under-21 international used his arm to control the ball before he scored.
He told BBC Sport: "We have had a point taken away from us today which wasn't our fault. In our position that's a hugely precious point, even at this stage of the season.
"It's a big mistake by the referee. It was a clear foul in two areas: one, he [Berahino] has jumped backwards into our goalkeeper when he is not even looking at the ball. And two, he handled the ball in front of him to score.
"We know we have to build from a solid base. What looked like a 0-0 would have been a good basis for us because the goals will come."
Sunderland are 19th in the Premier League with three points after nine games of the season.
Simon Sinclair
