A red card and a penalty have helped Sunderland come from a goal down to head into half time level against Norwich City at the Stadium of Light this afternoon.

Norwich City's goalkeeper Mark Bunn is sent off during his side's Premier League clash with Sunderland on March 17, 2013 © PA Photos

A busy start to the game saw both sides win corners inside the opening five minutes, before Steven Fletcher flicked the ball in for Danny Graham, who forced a save from Mark Bunn in the Norwich goal.

The deadlock was broken in the 25th minute when Kei Kamara headed towards the goal from eight yards out and Wes Hoolahan tapped it in to give the Canaries the lead.

Norwich City's Wes Hoolahan celebrates scoring against Sunderland on March 17, 2013 © PA Photos

The hosts looked for an immediate equaliser as Graham charged towards the Norwich goal, one-on-one with Bunn.

Bunn rushed out of the penalty area to prevent the shot, but the ball struck him on the arm outside of the box, resulting in Chris Foy showing the Norwich keeper a red card.

Chris Hughton took off the goalscorer in order to bring on Lee Camp for his first appearance for the club.

Things got worse for the visitors when Sunderland were awarded a penalty after the assistant referee ruled that Sebastien Bassong had handled the ball, with Craig Gardner stepping up to take the spot kick and level the scores for the Black Cats.

Sebastian Larsson almost gave the hosts the lead just before half time, when his powerful strike from long range was only cleared as far as Graham, but the former Swansea striker scuffed the ball wide.