The decision to award Norwich City's opening goal at Sunderland was the correct one despite controversy, according to an ex-Premier League referee. 

Hwang Ui-jo gave Norwich the lead at the Stadium of Light in the 23rd minute, lashing Kellen Fisher's cutback from the right into the net. 

In the build-up, Gabriel Sara was thought to be in an offside position, but he didn't engage the ball. Fisher then gained an advantage in the hesitation of defender Pierre Ekwah to beat him to the ball before finding Hwang with his cross. 

The goal was met by protestations by Sunderland's players and supporters - but it was allowed to stand by match official Anthony Backhouse. 

Sunderland went on to win the game comfortably, netting an equaliser through Trai Hume just 14 minutes later. Goals from Dan Neil and a penalty by Jack Clarke secured the victory for Tony Mowbray's men - leaving the controversy around the first goal largely irrelevant. 

Chris Foy, speaking on Sky Sports' 'Behind the Whistle' segment, believes the decision was the right one - with Sara being stood in an onside position from Adam Forshaw's pass. 

"This is a really good decision from the assistant referee, with the correct judgement call made to award the goal," Foy said. 

Eastern Daily Press: Norwich City opened the scoring at the Stadium of Light but went on to lose 3-1.Norwich City opened the scoring at the Stadium of Light but went on to lose 3-1. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

"The appeals are coming as a result of a potential interference with an opponent by Norwich City's No 17 (Gabriel Sara), but as you can see from the freeze frame he is in line with the second-last opponent when the pass is made and therefore onside.

"Any claims of impacting the ability of the defenders to play or challenge for the ball are made redundant."