Fulham boss Martin Jol felt Brede Hangeland's dismissal changed the game in Sunderland's favour after yesterday's defeat.

Hangeland was dismissed after 31 minutes for a two-footed challenge on Lee Cattermole with the game still goalless.

Second-half goals from Steven Fletcher, Carlos Cuellar and Stephane Sessegnon secured Sunderland's first league win in seven attempts although substitute Mladen Petric had levelled for 10-man Fulham.

"I think he was probably the only one in the stadium who really thought it was a red card," he said.

"It would have been nice if most of the referees had played football themselves, it would be nice if sometimes they could make decisions in the spirit of the game.

"I can't remember having a red card at this club, he (Hangeland) is a nice boy and told me it was not intentional, he slipped. I won't say that it is a common thing for him because I haven't seen him do this tackle."