Sunderland's Paolo Di Canio slams referee Martin Atkinson

Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio has criticised referee Martin Atkinson for his performance during his side's Premier League clash against Sunderland on Saturday.

The Italian tactician believes that the official should not have denied Jozy Altidore a scoring opportunity when the forward was clear through on goal in the second half.

"This is a big mistake," BBC Sport quotes him as saying. "It's obvious, this is not Paolo Di Canio's opinion, the referee has to wait and see how the action finishes.

"When it is body to body with Jozy Altidore and Bacary Sagna, he has to wait until how it finishes and not stop the game. It was a big, big mistake."

Sunderland, who lost 3-1 to the Gunners at the Stadium of Light, are currently at the foot of the league table with one point from four matches.