Sunderland SACK Michael Beale after disappointing run following bizarre accent rant and handshake snub
SUNDERLAND have sacked manager Micheal Beale.
It is the second time the Black Cats have axed their boss this season after Tony Mowbray was dismissed in December.
Beale lasted just 12 games in charge of the club.
He has overseen three wins, four draws and six losses.
His sacking comes after a 2-1 defeat to Birmingham on Saturday that leaves Sunderland tenth in the table - four points behind the play-off places.
Pressure had been mounting on Beale in recent weeks with fans fuming at the weekend after he snubbed a handshake with player Trai Hume.
As the defender was subbed off in the 87th minute he put his hand out and waited for a high five from his gaffer.
But Beale did not even acknowledge the player and appeared to ignore the 21-year-old.
The manager has since apologised and claimed he did not see his out-stretched hand.
Beale previously ranted about fan criticism and jibes from them over his accent.
He said: "I replaced a popular manager but I didn’t sack him, did I? And he won two in nine before he left, so are we making out it was all perfect?
“People didn’t want me here in the first place.
“You can say afterwards it’s about style or this and that, but let’s cut to the chase, people didn’t want me.
“The reality is that there wasn’t a feelgood factor about me coming in.
“It’s fine, I’m not crying over it, I’m a big boy, but when people are personal they’ve lost straight away.
“Look, I can’t change my accent or where I’m from. I’m proud of where I’m from.”
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