"You're not fit to wear the shirt!"
That's what Sunderland's fans sang to their players at the Riverside Stadium as their team lost 1-0 to relegation rivals Middlesbrough. The loss all but confirms Sunderland's return to The Championship for the first time since 2006-07.
Sunderland have five games left this season, and lie 12 points behind 17th-placed Hull City. If David Moyes' side fail to defeat Bournemouth on Saturday, and Hull City don't lose to Southampton, Sunderland will be the first side relegated this season.
One player that did not enjoy the chants at full-time was Fabio Borini. The Italian striker has failed to hit full form this season, scoring only twice in the Premier League.
After the game, he went and gave his jersey to a Middlesbrough fan, inciting the ire of his own fans. It was later revealed that the Italian striker gave the jersey to the supporter, after hitting them with a wayward shot in the warm-up.
Apparently Borini gave his shirt to a Boro fan he hit in the face during shooting practice before game. More hapless than heartless, then. https://t.co/BaTnig61dQ
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) April 26, 2017
Despite the reasoning behind the gesture, Sunderland's fans have continued to abuse Borini on social media for his actions. One fan went as far as saying he wished the striker was dead,
There is a toxic atmosphere in Sunderland as the team look set for the drop. The mood amongst the fans does not look like changing anytime soon.
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