'Another kick in the teeth': Sunderland supporters react after Lady Black Cats see promotion hopes dashed

In an update today, the Football Association confirmed that there would be no promotion from tier three to the FA Women’s Championship – meaning that Sunderland, 11 points clear at the summit of the FA Women’s National League and with a game in hand, would not be awarded promotion.

And fans have been quick to question the decision, which some feel makes ‘absolutely no sense’.

Here’s what they were saying on social media:

@PabloTheMackem said: “Surely Promotion and Relegation should be across the whole divisions and not just the top 2. Disgraceful - that's just another kick in the teeth for @SAFCLadies”

@RobCGrimwood added: “Disgraceful.... top 2 divisions protecting themselves with no relegation from championship blocking safc claim to be promoted....”

@MewesRob commented: “Surely a consistent approach should be made for all leagues which are curtailed. My son's team ended on PPG. Why can't @SAFCLadies?”

@moving_target_ posted: “That makes absolutely no sense.. show can you decide 2 leagues on points per game and none of the others”

@MyBigMouth__ tweeted: “Seems like the womens team do everything right and have no luck. Chance theyll lose their best players now?”

@Safc_simpson added: “Why across english football has it been one rule for one division and one for another?”

@LWOS_SAFC said: “Bad news for our ladies. Very disappointing and unfair”

@nicholaswilso11 commented: “That’s a disgraceful decision”