SUNDERLAND supporters have started a fund to give Lion of London Bridge Roy Larner the VIP treatment at next season's clash with Millwall.

The fans are raising enough money to fly Roy and his partner to the North-East, put them up in a luxury hotel and provide pre-match food and drink at the Stadium of Light.

Newly-relegated Sunderland and newly-promoted Millwall will meet in the Championship next season and fans of the Black Cats want to honour Roy, 47.

He shouted “F** you, I’m Millwall” as he charged into the the three knife-wielding attackers in the Black & Blue restaurant and bar in Borough Market on Saturday night.

He was knifed eight times in the head, chest and both hands by the terrorists, Khuram Butt, Rachid Redouane and Youssef Zaghba.

A message on the Sunderland's RTG fan forum says: "Members would like to meet and celebrate the excellence of the "Lion of London Bridge" by raising donations for him to attend next season's Sunderland v Millwall match.

"Ideally, paying for his and his partners trip to Sunderland and back, transfers to hotel, a luxury stay at the Roker Hotel, pre-match drinks and match tickets.

"Funds left over will be given to Roy for spends.

"I understand Millwall fans have set one up for him already which is flying. This is our own little football one."

Money has been pouring in from fans.

One fans who pledged £20 wrote: "I don't know whether you're brave or mad....or both! Whatever, have a great day out on us. You deserve it!"

Martin Robson wrote: "NO ONE LIKES US WE DO CARE , WELL DONE ROY LAD."

Jonathan Alsop said: "The bravery on show that night was unreal. Huge respect, hope you can make it to Sunderland to see your team play."

And Stan Robson wrote: "Respect, mad hero!"

Roy was taken to St Thomas’ Hospital for surgery, where he was later pictured recovering with a Learn to Run book brought in as a joke by his mates. He was taken off the critical condition list on Sunday.

Recalling the events of Saturday night, he said “They had these long knives and started shouting about Allah. Then it was, ‘Islam, Islam, Islam’.

“Like an idiot I shouted back at them. I thought, ‘I need to take the p*** out of these bastards’. I took a few steps towards them and said, ‘F*** you, I’m Millwall’. So they started attacking me."