Beyoncé's better and we preferred David Guetta: Readers have their say as Rihanna cancels Sunderland gig

The announcement said the June 18 show had been called off due to ‘logistical reasons’ affecting a number of tour dates.

Concert organisers said problems had impacted on a number of shows on the star’s forthcoming Anti World Tour, including Sunderland.

Sunderland AFC’s commercial director Gary Hutchinson said: “Unfortunately this is something that can happen with major tours and naturally we are sorry for those concert-goers who were looking forward to the show.

“We still have an exciting summer of events planned at the Stadium of Light, however, including the sell-out Beyoncé concert, which everyone is looking forward to.”

Rihanna had previously performed at the Stadium of Light in 2013, with DJ David Guetta also on the line-up, and yesterday’s news brought a mixed response from readers on our Facebook page.

Kyle Gibson posted: “Great news get The Killers in her place or Kasabian.”

Tracy Oliver added: “I’m shocked that she agreed to come back in the first place after the way her “fans” treat her.”

Yvonne Burnikell wrote: “Gutted for no other reason than it means no Abel. Tickets that were sold were probably by people wanting to see him as opposed to her.” Amy Usher added: “Bring back Guetta! I don’t regret buying my tickets last time because he made my night. Rihanna wasn’t a patch on him!”

Janice Kirby also wrote: “Not disappointed David Guetta was the star performer last time.”

Lindsey Pendlington Weightman asked: “Do you think this may be because Beyoncé is playing there in the same month and has sold out!”

Graham Lee posted: “Beyoncé second date...”

While Julie Robinson added: “Seen her last time very disappointed wasn’t dashing back to see her anyway.”

Customers can apply for a refund from the companies that sold them the tickets.

Fans who bought tickets in person from the Stadium of Light box office can apply for refunds from Tuesday. Customers must produce the voucher they were issued at the time of purchase in order to secure their refund, the club said.