THE billionaire owner of Sunderland Football Club celebrated his team's victory over Everton on Saturday by leaving a whopping £1,800 tip at a restaurant, it is understood.

Ellis Short, who is also chairman of the club, reportedly left the tip after enjoying a meal with three friends at Shagorika Restaurant, in Seaburn, Sunderland.

Restaurant owner Abdur Rouf said the club's owner was a regular at the restaurant.

He added: “He’s been to our restaurant many times.

“Last night he was really happy after Sunderland won. Everybody in the restaurant was celebrating.

“He left a very generous tip which was divided among the staff.”

Mr Rouf declined to say how many staff would share the tip.

Photographs of the 52-year-old Dallas-based American businessman drinking in Sunderland pubs, including one believed to be the Life of Riley, were later posted on social networking site Twitter.

Sunderland beat Everton 1-0 on Saturday – a result which lifted the club clear of the relegation zone.