Sunderland players could refund fans after 8-0 loss

SUNDERLAND, England (AP) — Embarrassed by losing 8-0 in a Premier League match, Sunderland's players are considering whether to refund the 2,500 supporters who made a 700-mile round trip to watch the defeat.

Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone says "I will personally talk to the team to see if it is possible to pay for (fans') tickets and their trip."

Sunderland scored two own goals and conceded five times in the second half against Southampton on Saturday for its biggest loss in 32 years. The margin of defeat equaled the second heaviest in Premier League history.

In quotes carried by the British media on Monday, Mannone says "after we conceded, we threw in the towel and I include myself."

Sunderland manager Gus Poyet said it was his "most embarrassing" match of his career.