'Get rid' - Sunderland fans call for defender transfer following refusal to play reports
Sunderland fans have reacted strongly to reports one player refused to play for the club’s under-21s side
Sunderland fans have been quick to react to the latest reports circulating regarding full-back Timothee Pembele.
After a disappointing spell on Wearside, the Black Cats allowed the right-back to head out on loan to Ligue 1 side Le Havre during the summer transfer window.
Pembele joined Sunderland from Paris Saint-Germain last September but made just eight Championship appearances as he struggled with injury and the challenge of displacing Trai Hume in the starting XI.
However, Mackem News have released a report, written by a former club employee, which claims Pembele “refused” to play for Graeme Murty’s youth side. Their article reads: “Mackem News understands Pembele withdrew himself from the group of first-team players gaining minutes in Graeme Murty’s U21 side.”
Sunderland fans, however, were quick to react to the reports of Pembele’s apparent refusal to play and got in touch with The Echo on Facebook to express their views. Here, we take a look at how supporters reacted to the story:
Emma Chicken said: “If it’s true, big mistake by him,” while Gavin Cook added: “He can't even get in the Le Havre side.”
Brian Cummins stated: “Get shot. Can't grasp basic defensive positioning anyway. He'll never develop into a decent defender ever. Might have potential going forward but it counts for nothing when a defender can't defend. He's in no position to be giving attitude. Get shot.”
Jamie Priestley added: “The U21s is the perfect place to regain form after injury, I'd like to know the full facts but if what's said is true, get shot.”
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