Michael Beale has apologised after he was spotted appearing to snub a handshake from Trai Hume during Sunderland’s defeat to Birmingham City.
Michael Beale has come under fire once again this week, despite previous results appearing to improve.
Sunderland had gone three games unbeaten before crumbling once again and enduring back-to-back defeats over the last few days.
The Black Cats had taken the lead through Jack Clarke against Birmingham yesterday, but an underwhelming second half display allowed the hosts to fight back to claim all three points.
Sunderland’s performance and tactics came under scrutiny, but it appeared that all eyes were on Michael Beale following Trai Hume’s substitution.
The full-back was replaced by Luis Hemir with only minutes left on the clock, and as he exited the pitch he stuck out his arm to offer Beale a handshake.
The Sunderland coach appeared to ignore Hume’s gesture, before he gave up and headed to the dugout.
Fans took to social media to share their anger at Beale’s action, while he was immediately questioned about the incident after the match.
Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle (as per Sunderland Echo), Beale said: “I didn’t see him, to be honest.
“Trai passed a fitness test to play today and he was on a booking, so it was easier to keep Leo on when we made the change. If I’ve missed him, I’ll have to go and see him now and say that to him. Listen, he is probably as close to me as any other player in the squad. There was nothing there between me and him, I honestly didn’t see him.”
The head coach then took to Instagram to further clarify the incident. He wrote: “Trai Hume is a fantastic player for our club. He gives everything for his team mates and the staff. I wasn’t aware that I missed his handshake until being asked about it post game. I immediately went to see him to apologise.
“Trai passed a fitness test this morning to play the game and I cannot hold him in higher regard as a man or professional. He is an example of everything that is good about a young footballer and our team.”
Can we believe Michael Beale?
Michael Beale’s attitude since his arrival on Wearside makes it very hard to believe that he just simply didn’t see Trai Hume, and it is just another reason why he needs to leave the club.
Fans don’t trust him and it really doesn’t seem like the players get along with him too well either.
Hume was probably our best player against Birmingham, but to be treated like that is disgraceful.
However, despite the criticism of Beale, it is still hard to believe he could be so stupid to do such a thing. Surely he would have realised the backlash he would have received, and for what? Hume hadn’t done anything wrong and he was only causing more trouble for himself.
I would like to believe him, but he does make it very hard for himself sometimes.