Sunderland’s impending relegation to League One has been confirmed this afternoon, after a stoppage time defeat to fellow strugglers Burton Albion.
Sunderland did lead for a large part of the match at the Stadium of Light. Paddy McNair had given the Black Cats the lead in the 34th minute and it looked as if Sunderland’s stay in the second tier would be prolonged for another week.
However, that wasn’t to be, as Burton drew level through former Sunderland man Darren Bent in the 86th minute. Liam Boyce then compiled Black Cat’s fans misery when he grabbed a winner in the 92nd minute.
Sunderland thought they had nicked a last gasp equaliser through McNair, but it was disallowed for a handball.
It’s a defeat which seals the fate of Sunderland and confirms that the North East side will be playing their football in League One next season. Here’s what the Sunderland fans made of this afternoon’s proceedings:
Well the survival pipe dream has burst and laid bare the utter shambles our beloved #safc find themselves in. Short will leave, but I hope he has the respect to sell to the right buyer. League One cannot be under estimated, we need to be prepared to undo this mess!
— Rich Shaw (@richardshaw86) April 21, 2018
#SAFC are only good enough to play against Accrington Stanley. Appointing a new milk monitor has to be their priority for next season.
— Matt Smith (@1973andallthat) April 21, 2018
100% what we deserve @SunderlandAFC 😢 #safc
— Stuart Brand (@StuartBrand7) April 21, 2018
Sunderland relegated. Accrington promoted. League One will have both of these stadiums next season #SAFC #ASFC pic.twitter.com/tPs8gVObNH
— Liam Potter (@liampotter98) April 21, 2018
https://twitter.com/JRuddy_1/status/987729695927144449
Gutted 4 #safc Even though it has been inevitable for weeks!
A case of dreadful ownership! But the real strength of a football club always comes from the fans & thankfully the #blackcats have some of the best around & the club will overcome these dark days!FACT #HawayTheLads ❤️— Matt Piper (@_mattpiper) April 21, 2018
https://twitter.com/mdon874/status/987729362849067009
Feels a bit daft to be crying over a football club. But there we are #SAFC
— Fiona (@fionakgill) April 21, 2018
Genuinley embarrassed to be a sunderland fan.Thankyou short for running our club into the ground #SAFC #sunderlandafc
— Ryan Wilson 🇺🇦 ☮️ (@ryan1994wilson) April 21, 2018