JAMES TRAFFORD saved TWO penalties to deny Sunderland a crucial win in the race for the Premier League.
The Burnley goalkeeper twice saved from Wilson Isidor during a chaotic 0-0 draw at Turf Moor.
James Trafford keeps Wilson Isidor waiting to take his penalty… and it pays off!
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 17, 2025
The scores stay level thanks to Trafford's spot-kick save 🧤 pic.twitter.com/FdUxGjSFDj
ReutersJames Trafford was the Burnley hero after saving two penalties against Sunderland[/caption]
ReutersThe Clarets keeper twice leapt to his right to keep out Wilson Isidor[/caption]
ReutersTrafford hit the deck prior to the second penalty as a fracas broke out on the field[/caption]
ReutersIsidor was consoled by teammates and in tears after the second miss[/caption]
Trafford was the hero after keeping out Isidor’s first spot-kick with just five minutes remaining of normal time.
The England Under-21 keeper was animated on his line, jumping around and slapping the crossbar as Isidor began his run-up.
He dived to his right and was able to successfully palm the penalty away.
Scott Parker‘s men didn’t learn their lesson though, with Oliver Sonne adjudged to have brought down Dennis Cirkin in the box four minutes into stoppage time.
A fracas broke out as players from both sides piled in.
And Trafford was hailed by Burnley fans for his “incredible s***housery” as he hit the deck in the melee, eventually earning himself a yellow card.
Isidor was given a chance to appease his earlier miss by Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris – but was made to wait for almost two minutes before tempers calmed down.
The 24-year-old went for the same spot as his first attempt, slamming the ball towards the bottom right corner.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
But Trafford guessed correctly again, palming the ball behind for a corner before being mobbed by his teammates.
A gutted Isidor was spotted in tears, as one fan wrote on X in response to the madness: “Two poor penalty decisions by the ref, two poor penalties.”
Another said: “Why on earth would you let him hit the 2nd after missing the 1st? Baffling decision.”
And a third argued: “Embarrassing giving him MoM after the gamesmanship.”
While one Newcastle fan laughed: “Sign him up right now hahahaha.”
The goalless draw leaves Burnley sitting second in the Championship, level on points with leaders Leeds who now have a game in hand.
ReutersTrafford’s heroics ensure Burnley stay in the Championship promotion spots[/caption]
James Trafford has saved a SECOND Wilson Isidor penalty! 🤯❌ pic.twitter.com/kQ1BZ8HgbH
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 17, 2025
Sunderland are back in fourth, just two points off the automatic spots.
Midfielder Enzo Le Fee made his debut for the Black Cats at Turf Moor after a high-profile loan switch from Roma.
Le Fee joined the Serie A club last summer in a £19.4million deal from French club Rennes.
Le Bris said: “It’s a good statement for the club because it shows that we are attractive.
“The environment is positive to grow, to live big emotions and to improve.”
Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
