Sunderland players are ‘lazy’ and ‘pathetic’ says Newcastle legend

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Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer lays into Sunderland after their 2-0 defeat to Swansea City.

Sunderland manager David Moyes speaks with John O’Shea and Jermain Defoe

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has dubbed the Sunderland players as “lazy” and “pathetic” following their 2-0 Premier League defeat to Swansea City.

The Black Cats’ relegation to the Sky Bet Championship had already been confirmed ahead of the game with the Swans at the Stadium Of Light, but Shearer was disgusted with the performance the players put in during their last home match of the season.

“David Moyes and Ellis Short have been criticised and deservedly so this season, but I tell you what the players should be criticised as well because in that first 45 minutes today they were absolutely disgraceful,” the former Magpies striker said.

“There was a lack of effort, it was lazy. There was nothing in the performance at all.

“I’m surprised the fans lasted so long. It was pathetic and they should be asking for their money back because it was that bad.

“That team needs major surgery in the Championship because there’s no way that team there will get back up into the Premier League.”

Ian Wright and Alan Shearer during the Pro-Am

Sunderland were relegated with five games still left to play in 2016/17 following a 1-0 home loss to AFC Bournemouth back on April 29.

Overall this campaign they have won just six of their 36 matches played so far and they will have to win both of their remaining fixtures and hope Middlesbrough lose in their final outing not to finish bottom of the table.

Sunderland fans with a banner featuring Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe

Not that it will be much consolation for the supporters who have watched their side end a ten-year stay in the top flight with nothing more than a whimper.

Whether Moyes is manager or not next term, according to Shearer there is certainly plenty of restructuring to be done in the Black Cats squad if they want to have any hope of getting promoted from the Championship.