By Chris Wright

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has issued a statement today apologising to the club’s supporters for yesterday’s 5-1 mauling at the hands of bitter rivals Newcastle United – the Black Cats’ heaviest derby day defeat in just over 55 years.

Quinn told Sunderland’s official website:

“It is entirely appropriate that we apologise to our fans. Whilst acknowledging the hurt that this defeat has caused, I would like to emphasise that everyone at this club will face the music together.

While everybody here is suffering, the players’ hurt must be galvanised into a big performance on Saturday (against Stoke). I’m not asking anyone to have sympathy for us, but we are confident that the solution will be found within the walls of our dressing room.

We may have to spend a long time apologising, but this entire football club knows that it owes its people right now and for me, that is the priority.”

Striker Darren Bent, whose late goal provided little in the way of consolation, echoed his chairman’s sentiments:

“We are all sorry about the result, which was a bad one for everyone concerned. It’s important someone came out and apologised to the fans, who are the people who pay money to watch the games.

“We let a lot of people down. We know the fans are hurting and believe me, the manager and the players are hurting as badly as you are.”

I’m sure all will soon be forgiven.

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