Max Power was sent off in Sunderland’s 1-1 draw with Oxford United last weekend.
One of Sunderland’s most influential players Max Power was sent off for a cynical foul on Oxford United’s Marcus Browne last weekend and was set to miss the Black Cats’ next three League One games.
The former Wigan man was set to start in Sunderland’s Checkatrade Trophy against Stoke City Under-21’s earlier this week after the EFL rules suggested he could, but under FA disciplinary rules, Power was not allowed to feature.
And in an interview with the Chronicle, Jack Ross vented his frustration on his inability to play the 25-year-old.
When speaking about the rules that disallowed Power to play in the tie, Ross said: “There’s a lot of criteria you have to fill when it comes to picking your team for this competition. You also get dragged to meetings to make sure you promote the competition and take it seriously, but then you get the nonsense that went on earlier today.
“In terms of the appeal process and the findings, I’ve got no problem. But I’ll never get my head around him not being available tonight.”
Sunderland’s summer recruit could have continued to get minutes in on the pitch that would’ve benefited Ross’ first-team plans had he been allowed to play against the Potters youth side.
Power has scored two goals for the Black Cats so far this season and his performances will be a big miss to Sunderland for the next three third tier fixtures, starting with their game against in-form Fleetwood Town this weekend.
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