Sunderland vicar calls for prayers as Saints 8-0 thrashing leaves Black Cat fans furious and stunned

Fans have vented their fury at the recording breaking score and one minister has even called for devine intervention.

The headlines tonight on the Sunderland Echo website talk of “humiliation” and “shame” as the score at St Mary’s equalled the Black Cats worst ever defeat – an 8-0 thumping by West Ham on October 19 1968.

One well known Wearside churchman tweeted that prayers were needed for the players and the fans who made the long trip south.

Reverend Chris Howson of Sunderland Minster, who famously fashioned a red and white dog collar to cheer on the Lads in the Capital One Cup campaign last season, tweeted: “(It was) like watching a car crash in slow motion.

“Prayers needed for players and supporters.”

Other fans took to Twitter and Facebook to vent spleen after the embarrassing performance by Poyet’s men, which included a spectacular own goal by Santiago Vergini in the opening minutes of the first half.

Ollie Parry, tweeting as @Jaffaman_21If, said: “If there was a competition for own goal of the season, I think we’d just have seen the winner.”

Jon Stokoe, as @jonstokoe, agreed: “My, my Sunderland. You are treating us to some wonderful schoolboy defending. That should be own goal of the season wrapped up.”

Rodrayguns, @k_r0d, said: “Horrific own goal. One of the worst you’ll ever see. How do you fire it into the bottom corner of you’re own goal?”

But Vergini was not alone in invoking rage, with fans enraged by the whole team’s performance.

Marjorie Hollywood said on Facebook: “Halve the wages till they start and play football and score goals had a week off and still cannot do nothing. What a let down for loyal fans.”

Elaine Rogers added: “Absolutely embarrassing. No passion no pride. Words can’t really describe the game.”

Dave McGee, @DMG7676, tweeted: “Each fan should be repaid 100 quid from players to cover costs. 260k not even a weeks wage of the squad today Never happen but should”

Gus Poyet also came in for flak from fans, some blaming his style of play.

David Richardson said on Facebook: “One of worst performance I have seen, and I have seen some bad ones.

“I am well and truly off the Gus bus. Fans should get free tickets for next away game.”

Mark Lawson, @lawsyyyWhen, tweeted: “When will people see what I see with #safc the style of football Gus Poyet wants to play is awful today’s match is example pace wins games.”

Many fans, however, remained optimistic and called for Poyet and his players to focus on the next game.

Lyndsey Twist, @safclynd, Tweeted fans are barmy. Never stopped singing! #SAFC John Chick said on Facebook: “Bad day at the office forget it and move forward.”

Scandinavian fan Christian Forsgård, @CForsgrd, summed up his views in a short tweet: “Nej nej nej nej”