The Sunderland Black Cats' football club lost a devastating match against Southampton 8-0 at St. Mary's Stadium Saturday. The club's players were so embarrassed by the loss that they've offered to provide refunds to more than 2,500 fans who traveled to watch them play in such spectacularly futile fashion, according to ESPN FC.
"We win and lose as a team, players, staff and fans," defender John O'Shea said. "However we wanted to acknowledge and thank the supporters who travelled such a long way to give us their backing and despite everything, stayed with us until the final whistle.''
The idea to reimburse the fans who made the trip was originally floated by goalkeeper Vito Mannone, according to ESPN FC. The former Arsenal player, who had established himself as manager Gus Poyet's favorite prior to the Southampton debacle, said immediately after the game that he wanted to meet the cost of the 700-mile trip and tickets to the game for the Sunderland fans who supported their team from start to finish.
"I will personally talk to the team to see if it is possible to pay for their tickets and their trip," he said. "I really mean that we should pay their tickets and travel. I will do everything possible. We should do it because we didn't put a foot in, we didn't work hard. We started the game well, but after we conceded we threw in the towel and I include myself."
Mannone further apologized to fans for the lack of performance from himself and his teammates.
"It is difficult for us, but it's very difficult for them as well. We will go through it during the week. We will have time. The Premier League is really difficult. We have no time to feel sorry for ourselves. We need to react. They are special fans. We are really lucky to be at this club and have these fans. If it was me, I would probably not react in the same way."
The game saw Sunderland score two own goals, and Mannone allowed two more soft goals.
The reimbursement will reportedly cost the players upwards of 60,000 pounds, with any funds not claimed by fans going to charity.
