Michael Beale apologises to Trai Hume for appearing to ignore the Sunderland player’s attempted handshake after receiving backlash from Black Cats fans on social media for snub
- The Sunderland manager appeared to ignore his player against Birmingham
- 21-year-old defender Trai Hume extended his arm in an attempt to shake Beale’s hand
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Sunderland manager Michael Beale has apologized after being criticized for ignoring Trai Hume when the Black Cats player tried to shake his hand after being substituted.
Viral images have landed Beale in hot water with some sections of Sunderland supporters now calling for him to be sacked by the club.
The incident occurred in the 88th minute when Hume pulled away as Beale’s side trailed Birmingham 2–1 and were looking for a late equalizer.
Hume, 21, extended his hand to Beale as he walked behind him to the substitutes’ bench but was ignored by his manager, who continued to monitor the match closely.
Beale has now released a public apology on social media, labeling the defender as ‘an example of everything that is good about a young footballer’ while dismissing suggestions that he deliberately ignored Hume.
Sunderland manager Michael Beale has apologized after being criticized for appearing to ignore one of his players
21-year-old defender Trai Hume tried to clap Beale’s hands after he was substituted
‘Trai Hume is a fantastic player for our club. He gives everything for his teammates and the staff.
“I didn’t know I missed his handshake until I was asked about it after the game. I immediately went to him to apologize.
“Trai took a fitness test to play the game this morning and I couldn’t rate him more highly as a man or a professional.
Beale publicly apologized on social media after receiving criticism from Sunderland fans
“He exemplifies everything that is good about a young footballer and our team.”
Beale was appointed manager of Sunderland in December after a previous failed management appointment at Scottish giants Rangers.
Having worked as an assistant under Steven Gerrard earlier in his career, Beale’s arrival in the North East has sparked concerns among supporters about the ambitions of the club’s hierarchy.
Beale has won just two of his first 12 games at the Stadium of Light so far, while Sunderland currently sit 10th in the Championship.