The Sunderland Echo journalist James Copley criticised Luke O'Nien after the Sunderland player made a poor challenge in his team's 1-1 draw against Coventry City this afternoon.

The Lowdown: Point in the end

Alex Neil's team had to settle for a point in the end at the Stadium of Light, after a late strike from Viktor Gyokeres cancelled out Jack Clarke's opener in the first half upon the Wearsiders' return to Championship football.

The hosts were put under a lot of pressure at times, with Coventry recording more possession and nine shots on the Sunderland goal (SofaScore).

The Latest: O'Nien slammed

O'Nien was given a yellow card by referee Darren Bond in stoppage time for a bad lunge on his opponent.

Taking to Twitter, Copley criticised O'Nien for making such a 'brainless' challenge, saying: "Brainless by Luke O'Nien. Should have been a red card. Studs showing on the tackle after being caught out of position."

The Verdict: No need

So late into the match, there was absolutely no need for O'Nien to go in the way that he did.

Coventry podcasters SkyBlueFansTV labelled it a 'shocking' challenge, and in truth the 27-year-old was lucky to get away with just a booking.

O'Nien struggled when he came on for Elliot Embleton just after the hour mark as he committed two fouls in total, making no tackles, interceptions or clearances, while he was also dribbled past twice (SofaScore).

Nonetheless, he could have easily been given a straight red card and missed the Black Cats' next few fixtures, duly letting Neil and his team-mates down.