Quinn and Bent apologise to fans

Quinn played more than 200 games for Sunderland from 1996 to 2002

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn and striker Darren Bent have apologised to the club's fans after their humiliating 5-1 derby loss at Newcastle.

"It is entirely appropriate that we apologise to our fans," said Quinn.

"Whilst acknowledging the hurt that this defeat has caused, I would like to emphasise that everyone at this club will face the music together."

And after Sunderland's worst derby loss in 55 years, Bent added: "We are all sorry about yesterday's result."

The comments from Quinn and Bent echoed a similar apology from Black Cats manager Steve Bruce, whose first experience of a Tyne-Wear derby was an afternoon to forget.

Bruce took "full responsibility" and admitted his side had their "backsides kicked" at St James' Park.

606: DEBATE I have followed Sunderland for over 50 years and in that time I have suffered some black days, yesterday ranks amongst the blackest cyprussyd-safc

Magpies skipper Kevin Nolan scored a hat-trick and Shola Ameobi netted twice before Bent lashed home a late consolation for the visitors.

Former Sunderland striker Quinn has challenged the team to respond when Stoke visit the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

"Last night, the owner and myself sat and reflected on the day's events and we are as defiant as ever that this club is going to make progress," Quinn stated.

"While everybody here is suffering, the players' hurt must be galvanised into a big performance on Saturday.

"I'm not asking anyone to have sympathy for us but we are confident that the solution will be found within the walls of our dressing room.

"We may have to spend a long time apologising but this entire football club knows that it owes its people right now and, for me, that is the priority."

Sunderland had gone into the clash at Newcastle buoyed by a seven-game unbeaten league run, which included a victory over Manchester City and draws with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United.

But the Black Cats were taken apart by their north-east neighbours, who had only picked up one point from their previous three home league games.

"It's important someone came out and apologised to the fans, who are the people who pay money to watch the games," Bent continued.

"We let a lot of people down. We know the fans are hurting and believe me, the manager and the players are hurting as badly as you are."

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