Sunderland fans who travelled to Southampton were yesterday offered a refund for their tickets.

After the 8-0 drubbing at the hands of Southampton, the players have given the 2,500 supporters the chance to claim their money back.

Those that do not want a refund — the tickets cost £24 — will see their money given to Sunderland-based children’s hospice Grace House.

Goalkeeper Vito Mannone said on Monday that he would ask his teammates to band together to donate their wages to refund the fans.

And speaking on behalf of the players, captain John O’Shea said: “We win and lose as a team, players, staff and fans, however we wanted to acknowledge and thank the supporters who travelled such a long way to give us their backing and despite everything, stayed with us until the final whistle.”