Sunderland 0-4 Aston Villa: Gus Poyet says fans' anger understandable

Gus Poyet defends the unhappy Sunderland fans who targeted him during Saturday's 4-0 home defeat to Aston Villa and says he would react in the same way as a fan.

Some supporters had to be restrained by security staff as they attempted to get near Poyet - who sat impassively in the dugout almost throughout - as Villa went 4-0 up before the break.

This result means that Sunderland have won just one of their last 12 league games and leaves them hovering perilously one place above the relegation zone.

Poyet was dismissed from his post as Sunderland manager on Monday following the loss.