SUMMER TIME BUT XHAKA ROW WITH FAN HALTS GAME

REGIS LE BRIS did not see Granit Xhaka get involved in a verbal spat with West Ham fans on the bench - but did bemoan the lack of fight from the Sunderland players on the pitch.

- BY STEVE JUDGE

Midfielder Xhaka missed the defeat at West Ham due to an ankle injury but sat on the back of the subs bench.

Referee Thomas Bramall stopped the game in the 87th minute, with Xhaka seen in a verbal confrontation with Hammers fans sitting behind the bench.

The incident appeared to be sparked by Nordi Mukiele reacting badly to being taken off.

But Le Bris said: “The bench is too far from the sideline. I don't know what happened.

“It's always a shame when something like that happens, but I don't know.

“We don't want to think about that. We are thinking about us.”

There has been plenty to admire about Sunderland's first season back in the Premier League but not on the road - they have won just twice on their travels.

“We were not at our level,” added the Black Cats boss.

“It can happen. It is important to analyse.