Michael Beale's 'awful' Sunderland handshake snub sparks sack demands as fans air dressing room suspicions

Michael Beale has been criticised by Sunderland fans for refusing to shake hands with one of his own players.

The incident happened after the Black Cats lost 2-1 to Birmingham City at St Andrews on Saturday. Despite taking the lead through Jack Clarke, Sunderland couldn't hold on and ended up losing the match. Just before the end of the game, former Rangers boss Beale substituted Trai Hume, who offered his hand to his manager. But Beale ignored him, leaving Hume standing there with his hand out. Fans were not happy, with one calling Beale's behaviour "awful". Another fan said: "You don't do that. Sets a horrific example especially from the fella who "manages" the side".

One fan expressed their frustration at the former Gers gaffer and said: "Love the players more than the head coach so BEALE OUT". Another supporter stated: "He must have completely lost the dressing room, Pritchard shouting at him while playing against hull now he's gone".

However, another fan suggested that Beale might not have seen Hume's gesture because he was focused on the match, writing: "I hate to play devil's advocate but does he not just miss the gesture due to watching the match? He's not exactly right in front of him".

Sunderland's recent losses to Huddersfield Town and Birmingham have resulted in them dropping to 10th place in the Championship, four points adrift of the playoff spots.