Michael Beale has issued a response to fans who are calling for him to be sacked for snubbing Sub…   

Michael Beale, the manager of Sunderland, has issued a response to fans who are calling for his dismissal after he chose not to bring on a substitute player.

Michael Beale, the Sunderland head coach, has publicly apologized to defender Trai Hume following criticism from fans for what appeared to be ignoring him during their recent match against Birmingham City.

Sunderland manager Michael Beale has expressed his regret to defender Trai Hume following an incident where he seemed to disregard him during the team’s loss against Birmingham City on Saturday.

Sunderland’s lead was established by Jack Clarke in the first half against Birmingham, who are currently under the management of Tony Mowbray, Beale’s predecessor.

Despite this, Sunderland left Birmingham empty-handed after Jordan James and Koji Miyoshi scored. Regrettably, Beale faced further challenges when a video of Hume being ignored went viral online.

Hume extended his hand for a handshake as he walked by, but the Sunderland manager ignored him. The video sparked a significant response on social media, with some calling for the dismissal of the former QPR and Rangers boss.

Beale has issued a response to the incident through his personal social media account, sharing a statement. In his statement, he expressed his admiration for Trai Hume, highlighting his dedication to the team and staff. Beale admitted that he was unaware of missing Hume’s handshake until it was brought up after the game. He promptly approached Hume to apologize for the oversight.

Furthermore, Beale emphasized Hume’s commitment by mentioning that he had passed a fitness test that morning to participate in the game. Beale holds Hume in high regard both as a person and a professional, considering him an exemplary young footballer and an asset to the team.

This incident adds to the series of negative reactions Beale has faced from fans since his appointment as the club’s head coach in December. The decision did not sit well with the fanbase, leading them to express their frustrations towards the club’s management on various social media platforms.

He addressed the issue of fan dissatisfaction last month, attributing the criticism he faced to his cockney accent. Reflecting on Mowbray’s departure, a beloved figure at the Stadium of Light, he remarked: “I didn’t dismiss him, did I?! They only won two out of nine matches before he left, so are we suggesting everything was flawless?

“I cannot alter my accent or my roots, you understand what I’m saying, I take pride in where I come from. I haven’t been in London for a decade, but I am originally from South London. Six years in Liverpool, four and a half in Glasgow, a year in Brazil. My accent remains the same!

“I am open to criticism if we struggle to score goals or repeatedly commit errors, but that particular criticism is unjust. So, if it’s about football, fair enough. However, I believe I should be shown more respect due to my journey, which warrants it.

” I believe you are directing negativity towards the youngest team in the league, which also happens to have one of the lowest budgets. When I took over the team, we were just two points away from the play-offs. Now, we are three points away. Although we have faced two challenging games, I don’t believe our performances were terrible. I cannot agree with anyone who claims otherwise.

” Therefore, it seems like you are simply being negative towards a football team that does not deserve it. Sometimes, I may consider saying less because I could be less honest, but that is not the kind of person I am.

” Instead, I focus on the work at hand. I am not dwelling on it or feeling sorry for myself. I am mature enough to handle criticism. However, when criticism becomes personal, it loses its validity. If people wish to criticize the team’s playing style, I am open to that feedback.