Sunderland Promoted to Premier League Amid VAR Drama in Sheffield United’s Stoppage-Time Defeat

Sunderland Clinch Premier League Return With Last-Minute Play-Off Victory Over Sheffield United
By Harry Bamforth, Matt Barlow, and Joe Bernstein | 24 May 2025

[Image: Fans celebrating at Wembley Stadium during the match. Caption: Sunderland supporters erupt after the dramatic late winner.]

Sunderland secured a sensational return to the Premier League after a 2-1 victory over Sheffield United in a rollercoaster Championship play-off final at Wembley. A 94th-minute strike from substitute Ellis Simms sealed the win, capping a thrilling encounter marred by VAR controversy.

First-Half Dominance by Sheffield United
Sheffield United started strong, with striker Oli McBurnie heading home in the 23rd minute after outmuscling Sunderland defender Dan Ballard. The Blades controlled much of the opening half, but Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson kept his side in the game with crucial saves.

VAR Drama Turns the Tide
Controversy erupted in the 55th minute when McBurnie appeared to double Sheffield United’s lead, but VAR disallowed the goal for a marginal offside. Replays showed his shoulder was narrowly ahead of the last defender, leaving Blades manager Paul Heckingbottom furious.
[Image: McBurnie’s disallowed goal on VAR review. Caption: The offside decision divided fans and pundits post-match.]

Sunderland capitalized on the reprieve. Winger Jack Clarke leveled the score in the 68th minute, slamming a rebound past Wes Foderingham after Amad Diallo’s initial shot was blocked.

Late Heartbreak for Sheffield United
Just as the game seemed destined for extra time, Simms—a 79th-minute substitute—latched onto a looping cross to head home in stoppage time, sparking wild celebrations among Sunderland’s 40,000-strong fanbase.

Post-Match Reactions
Heckingbottom criticized VAR’s role, calling the offside ruling “harsh,” while Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray praised his team’s resilience. “We rode our luck at times, but the character we showed was unbelievable,” he said.

[Image: Sunderland players lift the play-off trophy. Caption: The Black Cats return to the Premier League after a two-year absence.]

What’s Next?
Sunderland’s promotion secures an estimated £170 million in revenue, while Sheffield United face another season in the Championship. Questions linger over Heckingbottom’s future, with rumors linking him to vacant Premier League roles.

Was VAR Right?
Pundits remain split. Former referee Mark Clattenburg backed the decision, stating, “The offside call was correct by the letter of the law.” However, ex-player Chris Kamara argued, “Margins this tiny shouldn’t decide such a huge game.”

Sunderland’s triumph caps a remarkable turnaround for a club that was in League One just three years ago. Their fans now await a Premier League fixture list featuring clashes with giants like Manchester City and Liverpool.

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[Image: Ellis Simms celebrating his winner. Caption: The striker’s header wrote his name into Sunderland folklore.]