Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has opened up after his side's 3-1 defeat to West Ham at the London Stadium on Saturday, with Granit Xhaka involved in a row with home fans.
The Switzerland international was filmed having a tense exchange with Hammers supporters and, at one point, even appeared to beckon for them to come down and address him directly with proceedings briefly halted.
It compounded a woeful day for Sunderland, who lost 3-1 following first-half goals from Crysencio Summerville, Jarrod Bowen and Mateus Fernandes.
Le Bris, speaking after the game, admitted he was disappointed by the way his team performed in the capital.
"They were better than us, they showed good quality, they started better, more aggressiveness and more composure with the ball. We were the opposite," he said.
"The balance went in their favour at the biggening and their scored, it was well deserved.
"Our reaction in the second half was a bit better, we tried to change the dynamic of the game.
Granit Xhaka absolutely fuming 😂! #WHUSUN pic.twitter.com/sO7ZelNKqk
— The Final Whistle (@Rufus_45) January 24, 2026
"We scored once, we have the opportunity to score the second but they were simply better than us. We have to accept it."
When asked why his side were so poor in the early stages of the match, the Frenchman admitted he was struggling to find an answer.
"It's tough to say, because probably there are multiple reasons," he continued.
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"At least it shows that when you are not at the level that the league will punish you.
"[We need to show] Humility, hard work, accept the tough period.
"We haven't experienced this much, but we are still a newly promoted side and it is normal to have this kind of experience.
"Don't get too emotional, stay composed, not too high and not too low and move forward."
The Xhaka incident was, without a doubt, the biggest talking point.
But Le Bris was unsure what happened to trigger such a furious response from the Switzerland international, who missed the contest due to injury.
West Ham have boosted their chances of staying in the Premier League with their victory over Sunderland
|PA
"I don't know really [what happened], it's always a shame when something like that happens, but I don't know," he remarked.
While it was a drab day for Sunderland, it was an afternoon to remember for West Ham.
The Hammers have endured a wretched season but, following victories over QPR and Tottenham, have now won three games on the trot.
West Ham will return to action against Chelsea next Saturday, with Sunderland having nine days off before they do battle with Burnley at the Stadium of Light on February 2.