Michael Beale BAFFLED by Sunderland reaction as he angers fans with Rangers rerun

Michael Beale insists he’s baffled by the criticism of his Sunderland tenure so far in a comment that echoes his final press conference as Rangers manager.

The Londoner is just seven games into his new job after succeeding popular Tony Mowbray at the Black Cats. Supporters chanted for Beale, who lasted less than a year at the Ibrox helm after leaving QPR to succeed Giovanni van Bronckhorst, to leave after defeat to Hull City on Friday.

Earlier this week Michael Graham, editor of Black Cats fanzine Sunderland Nation, said Beale was having a “draining” effect on the Stadium of Light but speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash with Stoke City at home he sarcastically said: “It’s a huge crisis. We’re sat where we are, three points outside the playoffs with a home game coming up. I’m a little bit perplexed and bemused by the outside thing.” Beale’s comments came as the media room at the Academy of Light was plunged into darkness after a power cut and fans reacted with dismay.

One said on X: “If he’s wondering what the outside is. It’s where I’ll be telling him to to get on Saturday.” Another said: “I’m sure the ‘outside thing’ will let him know how they feel on Saturday when Stoke go 1-0 up.” And on supporter said: “The words of somebody who doesn’t expect to last, but doesn’t want to go too soon to avoid embarrassment. There’s no way he says this stuff and expects to be long term.”

Beale also angered Rangers fans with some of his press conference comments - particularly after losing 3-1 at home to Aberdeen in what proved to be his final game. The team were jeered off as they trailed at the break and he said later: “I thought it was harsh to boo the players off at half-time. Sometimes the