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But Sunderland's players and fans alike were further incensed when the referee awarded the spot-kick to be retaken after Thomas Sorensen had beaten out Tommy Smith's first effort.
Watford's leading scorer made no mistake at the second attempt and sent his side through to the last eight with even manager Ray Lewington admitting he was at a loss to explain the bizarre decision.
Sunderland boss Howard Wilkinson expressed his disappointment and frustration of bowing out of the competition. He said: "We did not deserve that result.
"The referee has given an interview and said the penalty was given for a raised arm and ordered it be retaken because the goalkeeper moved. The referee makes the decisions and we have to live with them.
"It was a double whammy. How many times do you see that happen?'"
Chances were few and far between, but Kevin Phillips should have sent Sunderland on their way in the ninth minute when released by Tore Andre Flo only to miss the target with only goalkeeper Alec Chamberlain to beat.
Jody Craddock had a close-range shot blocked from another good opportunity but it was until the latter stages that the home side exerted any real pressure on the Hornets goal.
A disappointing Flo was replaced by David Bellion and Moroccan international Talal El Karkouri came on for Julio Arca, but apart from Chamberlain saving in style from a Craddock header following a series of corners, Watford held on reasonably comfortably.