FA Cup: Gus Poyet brushes off Sunderland fans' criticism

Gus Poyet has brushed off criticism from Sunderland supporters after his side were knocked out of the FA Cup by League One Bradford City.

The Black Cats became City's second Premier League scalp of the competition as they lost 2-0 at Valley Parade.

Many of the 4,000 Sunderland fans voiced their frustrations at the end.

Black Cats boss Poyet said: "I have no issue with the fans. I never hide and I am the one who'll pay the price because the only one who can get sacked is me."

Poyet's relationship with Sunderland supporters has become strained in recent weeks.

The Uruguayan upset many fans after the fourth round draw with Fulham, claiming they were living in the past and intent on a return to the 'kick and rush' style under former manager Peter Reid, who recorded seventh-place top-flight finishes in 2000 and 2001.

Sunderland failed to recover from John O'Shea's third-minute own goal and former Black Cats striker Jon Stead doubled the lead in the second-half to seal Bradford's place in the last eight for the first time in 39 years.

Poyet claimed the media hadn't helped his side's cause. He added: "When we let you (the press) in and you get (back) out and say what you want, then we've got a problem.

"The problem is you (the media) not me. If you write what I say the fans would be on my side. If we close Sunderland - if we put a China Wall around the city - it would be fantastic."

Sunderland face a Premier League relegation battle for the remaining three months of the season.

Defending his players, Poyet added: "Don't think for a minute that the players did not try their best, they adapted to the pitch and went for it.

"They needed that bit of luck. The referee had a clear view of the penalty [on Steven Fletcher] and didn't give it.

"Unfortunately, Kevin Friend again did not give us what we deserved and it became a tough task from then."