Vito Mannone wants to refund travelling Sunderland fans for Southampton drubbing
Sunderland Goalkeeper Vito Mannone is set to organise a whip-round among his Sunderland teammates to reimburse the 2500 Sunderland fans who saw their side get hammered 8-0 at the hands of Southampton at the St.Mary’s stadium.
The 26-year has taken it upon himself to collect a refund for the fans who made the 1062 km round-trip only to see their beloved side get humiliated.
Mannone had joined the Black Cats in 2013 after having spells at Arsenal, Barnsley and Hull City.
Gus Poyet’s men are now placed at a precarious 17th position in the table and another fight for survival to play top league football next season, looks highly likely.
“We have to feel embarrassed for ourselves and take some anger into our next game to produce a performance”. Mannone said.
“It is a low point for everyone. I will personally talk to the team to see if it is possible to pay for our fans’ tickets and their trip. It is difficult for us but it is difficult for them as well”. he went on to add.
Special bunch of Fans.
He also had a word of praise for the fans at the Stadium of Light.
“They are special fans – we are really lucky to be at this club and, if it was me, I would probably not have reacted in the same way as them”. The Italian goal- keeper said.
“I really mean that we should pay for their tickets and travel, I will do everything possible to organise it”.
“We should do it because we didn’t put our foot in, we didn’t work hard.I really mean that we should pay for their tickets and travel, I will do everything possible to organise it. We should do it because we didn’t put our foot in, we didn’t work hard”. he added.
Never been more embarrassed: Manager
Poyet called it to be the most embarrassing time he has had and now has several questions to answer to Black Cats owner Ellis Short.
“It is the most embarrassing time I’ve had in football”.
“I cannot watch it again, but I learned a lot about the players. Some of them gave up, and I know who they are for the future.” he said.