BBC SPORT | Football | Teams | Sunderland | Kilbane says sorry for gesture

Sunderland winger Kevin Kilbane has apologised to fans of the club after he aimed a V-sign at them during Saturday's friendly defeat at Gent.

The Black Cats lost 2-1 to their Belgian opponents at the Jules Otten Stadium.

Djima Oyawole and Patrick Dimbala had put Gent 2-0 up before Kevin Kyle hit a late consolation.

I'm devastated because I always try my best for the fans

Kevin Kilbane

Republic of Ireland international Kilbane did not take kindly to being jeered by a section of the Sunderland fans and reacted with the gesture just eight minutes after half time.

Black Cats boss Peter Reid immediately substituted Kilbane.

And the winger quickly apologised, telling the club's official website: "I want to offer my sincere apologies to those supporters.

"They travel a long way to these games and spend their cash to back us and I deeply regret what I did.

Sunderland striker Kevin Kyle
Scorer Kevin Kyle in action against Gent

"It was a moment of frustration and things just got the better of me. It was my first game back, I was feeling a bit tired and things boiled over.

"I'm devastated by the whole thing because it's always my aim to go out there and try my best for the team and the supporters.

"I just want to give my all for this club. That's what I've always tried to do and it's what I will do in the future."

Kilbane is expected to be fined by the club, who will deal with the matter internally.

Reid said: "You can't react the way Kev did but he's a model pro, a sincere fellow and he has made a mistake."


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