SUNDERLAND'S players have confirmed they will refund the cost of supporters' match tickets for last weekend's 8-0 humiliation at Southampton.

The Black Cats squad will reimburse fans who travelled to St Mary's to watch the club equal the record for the heaviest defeat in their history.

Supporters will be able to claim the full cost of their match ticket, with fans who do not want to claim a personal refund having the option of the money going to Sunderland-based children's hospice, Grace House, instead.

Grace House provides hospice services including respite, palliative and end of life care for children and young people throughout the North-East who have life-shortening conditions for which there is no known cure.

Speaking on behalf of the squad, Sunderland captain John O’Shea said: “We win and lose as a team, players, staff and fans, however we wanted to acknowledge and thank the supporters who travelled such a long way to give us their backing and despite everything, stayed with us until the final whistle."

Anyone wanting to claim a refund should contact the club before 5pm on Wednesday, November 5. 

Supporters should return their match ticket either in person at the Stadium of Light ticket office or by post to SAFC (Refunds), PO Box 165, Sunderland, SR5 1WF. Fans must enclose name and address details, along with their customer number.

After the November 5 deadline, any outstanding money not claimed by supporters will be given to Grace House.