Sunderland failed to confirm their Premier League status as they threw away the lead to lose 3-1 at Portsmouth, but the match was overshadowed by controversy surrounding referee Alan Wiley.
The Black Cats, who could be caught by relegation rivals Hull City and Newcastle on the final day of the season, took the lead through Kenwyne Jones, but Pompey deservedly hit back as John Utaka, a Phil Bardsley own goal and Armand Traore wrapped up the points.
However, match official Wiley caused a storm when blowing his whistle before Utaka equalised, only to allow play to continue.
Portsmouth's Peter Crouch and Sunderland's Jones both went agonisingly close to opening the scoring in a tight first half as the pair hit posts at either ends with headers.
But the game then exploded into life on 59 minutes as Jones gave Sunderland the lead against the run of play when prodding in a superb Calum Davenport cross.
The game was then struck by debate 90 seconds later as the equaliser came when Utaka fired in, but Wiley appeared to blow his whistle before the Pompey striker, who was wrestling with Davenport, shot.
Sunderland then found themselves behind in the 68th minute as Utaka broke clear following a horrible gaffe from Anton Ferdinand, and Bardsley was unfortunate to prod into his own net.
Pompey - who were safe from the drop before kick-off - then made sure of the points two minutes from time as substitute Traore fired in a low third to ensure Sunderland host Chelsea on Sunday still sweating on their top-flight safety.
Sunderland remain a point better off than Hull, who host Manchester United, and two ahead of local rivals Newcastle.
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