Crystal Palace close to being taken over by Josh Harris, owner of the Philadelphia 76ers, say reports

Crystal Palace were on Friday night reportedly on the verge of being taken over by American billionaire Josh Harris.

The owner of the National Basketball Association’s Philadelphia 76ers was yesterday close to agreement to buy Palace from the Steve Parish-fronted CPFC2010, according to Bloomberg.

Co-chairman Parish could not be reached for comment on Friday night over a potential move that would make the south London club the latest to be taken over by an owner of a major US sports team.

Harris made his fortune after co-founding private equity firm Apollo Global Management, which bought the 76ers in 2011 and the National Hockey League’s New Jersey Devils just over a year ago.

He was linked this summer with a possible takeover at Aston Villa.

Parish, who led the most recent takeover of Palace in 2010, was said to have been lined up to remain at the club and run it for Harris.

Parish and his fellow investors helped steady the club’s finances after it was forced into administration and oversaw their return to the Premier League last summer.

Were Harris to complete a takeover, it would increase further American influence over the Premier League. The Glazer family owns Manchester United and the National Football League’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers while John Henry owns Liverpool and Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox. Stan Kroenke, the majority shareholder at Arsenal, also has the St Louis Rams, the Denver Nuggets, and Colorado Avalanche in his portfolio. Randy Lerner, who used to be the majority owner of the Cleveland Browns NFL franchise, is still in control at Aston Villa while Ellis Short has owned Sunderland since 2008.

Sal Galatioto, founder of Galatioto Sports Partners, who represented Comcast-Spectacor in its sale of the 76ers to Harris, told Bloomberg: “Josh obviously knows how to run pro sports franchises.

“It’s a very interesting investment that should be a very good one for him over the long run.

“English Premier League soccer is arguably the best soccer in the world and it’s very valuable media content. It’s growing in other parts of the world, especially North America.”

Palace are 16th in the Premier League, just a point above the relegation zone, having won two of their opening games this season.

They reappointed former manager Neil Warnock this summer following the controversial departure of Tony Pulis, who led them to their highest ever Premier League finish of 11th after taking charge when they had looked doomed to relegation.

That netted the club £74.5 million in television revenue and prize money.

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Luis Suarez admits he is getting help to stop biting opponents

Luis Suarez says he is getting help in order to control his "impulse" to bite.

The striker, 27, who will make his Barcelona debut against Real Madrid on Saturday, was banned for four months for biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini during the World Cup.

Admitting he had a problem, Suarez told the Guardian Weekend magazine: "It is like an impulse, like a reaction.

"I believe I am on the right path now, dealing with the people who can help me, the right kind of people."

Suarez's attack on Chiellini was the third time the Uruguayan had bitten an opponent.

Luis Suarez controversies
June 2014	Banned for four months from any football-related activity, plus nine international matches, for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini
April 2013	Apologises for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic and receives a 10-game ban
Dec 2011	Given eight-match suspension and fined £40,000 for racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra
Nov 2010	Given seven-match ban for biting PSV Eindhoven's Otman Bakkal on the shoulder while playing for Ajax
July 2010	Handles on the line to deny Ghana a winner in the last minute of extra-time in the World Cup quarter-finals. Asamoah Gyan misses the resulting penalty and Uruguay win the shootout to reach the semi-finals

He had previously done the same to PSV Eindhoven's Otman Bakkalwhile playing for Ajax in 2010, and Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic when he was a Liverpool player in 2013.

"Everyone has different ways of defending themselves. In my case, the pressure and tension came out in that way," he added.

"There are other players who react by breaking someone's leg, or smashing someone's nose across their face. What happened with Chiellini is seen as worse.

"I understand why biting is seen so badly."

Suarez, however, remains unrepentant about his clash with Manchester United's Patrice Evra in October 2011, when he was found guilty of racial abuse, banned for eight matches and fined £40,000.

"I know I was wrong with the biting but I was accused of racism without any proof," Suarez said.

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Louis van Gaal: Jose Mourinho became special by himself

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal insists he has not played a major role in Jose Mourinho becoming one of the world's most successful managers.

The Chelsea boss, who worked under Van Gaal at Barcelona, often credits much of his success to the Dutchman and his other mentor Bobby Robson

"He talks about me and Bobby Robson and I appreciate that, but you always do it by yourself," Van Gaal said.

The pair meet at Old Trafford on Sunday when United face Chelsea .

They first crossed paths 17 years ago when the Van Gaal offered Mourinho, then 34, a position on his coaching staff at the Nou Camp.

Mourinho, 51, has since forged a hugely successful management career of his own, which has yielded 20 trophies to date.

"He's such a wonderful coach," said Van Gaal, 63. "And to see that he's been a champion in different countries is fantastic.

"He's very special but he is very special for me because we've continued our relationship, which in the football world is not always normal. That's nice."

The pair have been in opposing dug-outs only once before in a competitive fixture - the 2010 Champions League final, won by Mourinho's Inter against Van Gaal's Bayern.

And Van Gaal will have it all to do if he is to gain revenge on Sunday, with Chelsea top and unbeaten, and already 10 points clear of the Red Devils.

As for Mourinho, he said Van Gaal was now "an opponent" but made it clear that he still holds the United boss in the highest of regard.

"Everybody knows the respect I have for him. I never hide the respect, the relationship and the fact he was an important influence in my career," he said.

"Don't make me speak for half an hour about him. He knows what I feel about him."

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EL CLASICO: FOR BARCELONA ACE LIONEL MESSI, THIS ONE MEANS MORE THAN THREE POINTS

Lionel Messi’s performances over the past couple of months are evidence that his family is becoming an ever increasing strain.

The 26 year-old’s missed penalty against Brazil, and his reaction to legend Kaka, shows that his mind is profusely elsewhere. At the end of Argentina’s defeat, when the AC Milan hero ruffled his hair both sportingly and jokingly , Lionel pushed it away in frustration. Even one of Brazil’s greats cannot change his current mood.

Both Messi and the father of the Barcelona star, Jorge, have been accused of avoiding taxes worth up to £4 million. Jorge recently insisted that Messi had ‘nothing to do with the tax evasion’- but as hot as things are off the pitch, the temperature is sure to increase with the El Clasico against Real Madrid .

On Saturday, it will be a very intriguing battle between Cristiano Ronaldoand Barcelona’s main man. Recently, Messi has been overtaken by his rival Ronaldo in the goal scoring charts, and it is the Real Madrid talisman who is dominating the headlines for the right reasons.

The feeling is Messi is still reeling from the disappointment of theWorld Cup, and with the alleged tax evasion case, the little Argentinian has been somewhat of a peripheral figure for both club and country. Ronaldo, meanwhile, shows no sign of hangover from the summer, with the former Manchester United forward in sizzling form, scoring 15 goals in seven games.

With Messi’s personal life becoming a burden, will he be able to put his difficulties behind him?

Certainly, he remains the favourite son of Barca fans - and he needs just one goal at the Bernabeu to be the La Liga’s all time record goal scorer, which is further evidence that he is one of, if not the greatest players to grace the game.

With Luis Suarez back from suspension, Luis Enrique has an attack full of world-class talent, but as ever, Messi will be the focal point of the team - as will Ronaldo for Real. Ultimately, the game will depend on these two, and whoever rises to the occasion, will win the match for their respective teams.

If Messi can replicate the performances he has shown in previous clashes between the Spanish giants, it may well be Barcelona who come out on top.

Most importantly for himself, it will eliminate the self doubt and offer a springboard for Messi to chase more glory, including snatching a record fifth Ballon d’Or from his nemesis Cristiano Ronaldo.

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El Clasico: Cristiano Ronaldo downplays rivalry with Lionel Messi

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo says he is more focused on victory than outshining Lionel Messi in Saturday's El Clasico against Barcelona.

Ronaldo has netted a La Liga record 15 goals in seven matches this season, while Messi could break the all-time league scoring record at the Bernabeu.

However, the world footballer of the year downplayed any individual rivalry.

"I am not going to play against Messi, I am going to playing against Barcelona," Ronaldo, 29, said.

El Clasico in figures
Lionel Messi has scored 21 times in 28 El Clasico matches, Cristiano Ronaldo has netted 13 times in 21 matches
Of current players, Barcelona playmaker Xavi has the most El Clasico appearances with 40, ahead of Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas on 35, Barca midfielder Andres Iniesta on 29 and Messi on 28
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has played in the fixture on 32 occasions, for Real Madrid between 1991 and 1996, and for Barcelona from 1996 until 2004. He scored five times for Barcelona against his former team in 14 matches
Real have scored 385 goals in El Clasicos, 14 more than Barcelona

Real's Gareth Bale will miss the match with a thigh injury, but Spain defender Sergio Ramos will be fit after missing Wednesday's 3-0 Champions League win over Liverpool with a calf injury.

Barcelona played in the Champions League the night before Real Madrid, beating Ajax 3-1 at the Camp Nou on Tuesday, and Ronaldo says it is unfair that Luis Enrique's side have been allowed an extra day to recover.

"I don't understand why they put the match on Saturday," Ronaldo said.

"It is a difficult match and all footballers know that an extra day's rest is significant. Cup matches aren't so important. However, I don't want to make excuses because the team are fine and confident."

Argentine forward Messi, 27, will equal Telmo Zarra's league total of 251 goals if he scores at the Bernabeu, a record that has stood for almost 60 seasons.

Former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez could make his Barcelona debut after serving a four-month ban for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup, and Messi feels the Uruguay striker could give coach Enrique an extra attacking option in the first El Clasico of the season.

"We are excited for Luis to play because he will add his strength to the team," Messi said.

"I'm happy for him because he has spent a long time off the pitch."

Barcelona lead La Liga with 22 points after eight games, and will go seven points clear of Real Madrid if they win at the Bernabeu on Saturday.

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Diego Costa: Chelsea striker released from hospital after illness

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has been released from hospital following treatment for an illness.

The Spain striker was admitted with a severe stomach bug in the days after his return from international duty.

He is also nursing a groin problem, picked up while playing for Spain. He was absent from Chelsea's 6-0 Champions League win over Maribor on Tuesday.

Costa, 26, is also considered a doubt for the Premier League clash with Manchester United on Sunday.

His condition is said to be improving.

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Didier Drogba celebrates with son Isaac in Chelsea dressing room after scoring first goal since returning to club in Maribor rout

Didier Drogba celebrated with his son Isaac in the Chelsea dressing room after scoring his first goal since returning to the club this summer.

The 36-year-old converted from the penalty spot - as he did with the last kick of his first spell at Stamford Bridge to win the European Cup - mid-way through the first half as Jose Mourinho's side beat Slovenian outfit Maribor 6-0 in the Champions League.

The Ivorian was joined by son Isaac as he and team-mates - including John Terry, Petr Cech and debutant Dominic Solanke - posed for a dressing-room snapshot after the match.

Drogba pictured with Isaac while at Galatasary (left) and Shanghai Shenhua in China

Isaac Drogba, who plays for Chelsea Under 14s, has been photographed with his father around the world, at Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua and Galatasaray.

Drogba Snr only entered the match against Maribor after Loic Remy suffered a groin injury inside 15 minutes, and Mourinho says the plan was to only play the veteran striker for half an hour.

‘I was not expecting Didier to play 75 (minutes). I spoke with him yesterday and we spoke about 30. It was circumstances. He had to go on. 

‘He was comfortable to play 75 minutes. It was very, very important for Didier. The best thing for a player to improve his condition is to play.

‘His last goal for Chelsea (in the Champions League final of 2012) was the most important goal in the history of the club.’

The win was Chelsea's biggest in the competition as they put six past Maribor, including a double from Eden Hazard and strikes from Loic Remy, John Terry plus an own goal.

Solanke, 17, came on as a second-half substitute to make his first appearance for the Chelsea first team and captain John Terry was full of praise for the youngster.

'I'm really proud of @domsolanke tonight making his full debut,congratulations mate and believe me it's the first of many In a Chelsea shirt.' Terry wrote on Instagram.

The 33-year-old, who got on the scoresheet after sprinting the length of the pitch to apply the finish to a first-half counter attack, also shared a photo of himself with a very young Solanke next to one of the pair training together.

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Arsène Wenger admits gamble paid off in last-gasp win over Anderlecht

Arsène Wenger admitted it had been difficult to foresee Arsenal’s late recovery against Anderlecht in Brussels, where they had trailed 1-0 in the final two minutes. But goals from Kieran Gibbs and Lukas Podolski manufactured a stunning turnaround and allowed the club to reignite their Champions League hopes.

Wenger finished with six attack-minded players on the field and he talked afterwards of a “gambling situation” in which he somehow came up trumps. The drama went some way to making up for a generally uninspiring performance was pock-marked by errors and a defensive switch-off for the Anderlecht goal.

“I know by experience that the nerves play a part in the last five minutes in the Champions League,” Wenger said. “And that we had to get into those five minutes without conceding the second goal. If they had scored the second goal, it was game over. I had hope. It didn’t look likely but it happened. We took all the risks and, in the end, it paid off. It’s a little bit of a gambling situation that happens in this kind of game and it worked tonight. It did not look obvious, that is for sure.

“The turning point was not to concede the second goal. They had a good chance that they didn’t take and, in the end, the quality of the players who came on and our experience made the difference, 

unexpectedly. As long as we didn’t concede the second goal, I thought we had a chance to take at least a point.

“It’s a bit unexpected to take the three, considering the quality of the match that Anderlecht played.”

Wenger was asked whether he gave credit for his team’s spirit or was worried about the overall performance. “Both,” he replied. “We had the spirit but it was disappointing that we didn’t create more. I put that down to the fact that Anderlecht defended very well.”

Podolski entered as an 83rd-minute substitute and the timing of his first goal of the season could hardly have been better. “He is frustrated and I understand that,” Wenger said of the forward’s lack of playing time. “But we know he can always score. It took him a while to get back to a good physical level [after the World Cup] and now, he’s nearly there. It’s not a coincidence that he has over 100 caps for Germany. He is a guy who you want to have the ball in the box.”

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Mario Balotelli's shirt swap angers Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers

Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli faces a reprimand from manager Brendan Rodgers after swapping shirts with Real Madrid's Pepe at half-time in the 3-0 Champions League defeat at Anfield.

Balotelli made the exchange with defender Pepe as Liverpool trailed Real by three goals.

The £16m striker was substituted at the break after another disappointing performance.

"It is not something I stand for," Rodgers said.

"If you want to do that, do it at the end of the game. It is something I will deal with on Thursday."

Rodgers, who was infuriated when defender Mamadou Sakho did the same with Samuel Eto'o at Chelsea last season, added: "We had an incident last year with a player and that was something we dealt with internally.

"It's something that doesn't happen here and shouldn't happen here."

It completed another miserable night for Balotelli, who disappointed in the 3-2 win against QPR in the Premier League at the weekend.

Rodgers also made a thinly veiled criticism of the Italian after Liverpool were completely outclassed by the Champions League holders, who opened the scoring through Cristiano Ronaldo's 70th Champions League goal.

Balotelli was replaced by Adam Lallana at half-time and Rodgers said: "It was purely tactical - I felt we needed a bit more movement centrally to occupy their centre halves a bit more and I thought Raheem Sterling would do that.

"Adam Lallana came on and was tireless in his work rate. That is the minimum here at Liverpool - you need to press, you need to work. Young Adam came on and did that very well."

Former England international and BBC Radio 5 live summariser Phil Neville said: "There are some things you don't do, when you are 3-0 down in the Champions League. You don't go swapping shirts in full view."

Balotelli was also replaced after 45 minutes while playing for Italy against Uruguay at the World Cup, after picking up a yellow card in the first half.

Italy lost 1-0 to Uruguay, confirming their exit from the tournament and Balotelli later responded to criticism of his performances in Brazil.

Meanwhile, Rodgers defended teenager Sterling, who was the subject of morning headlines after he was pictured at a nightclub the day after England's 1-0 win in Estonia - a match in which he featured only as a substitute after telling manager Roy Hodgson he was tired.

"It is unfortunate for him as a young kid of 19 that six days before a game and on a day off that he can't go out," said Rodgers. "It is obviously a story for some but I think many people will look at it and think there is not a story in it.

"I thought he was terrific against Real Madrid and he is very focused on his work as a young footballer."

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Neymar and Lionel Messi score as Barcelona sweep past Ajax

Neymar and Lionel Messi maintained their lethal partnership with a goal apiece as Barcelona swept aside Ajax 3-1 in Group F.

The Argentinian was the provider, slipping the ball through for Neymar to hit the opener with a clinical finish into the corner after seven minutes. He then struck midway through the half to put the hosts in control.

Andrés Iniesta threaded the ball through to Messi and his shot from the centre of the penalty area squirmed under the goalkeeper, Jasper Cillessen.

Messi now has 69 Champions League goals, as does Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, two off the all-time leading scorer, Raul.

Anwar El Ghazi pulled back a late goal for Ajax before Sandro Ramírez settled any late jitters for the home side. Barcelona are second in the group behind Paris Saint-Germain, who won 1-0 at Apoel Nicosia.

After a season of adjustment Messi and Neymar are now looking dangerous together with 17 goals between them as they set their sights on Real Madrid in La Liga this Saturday.

“We were very good in the first half and then we dropped off but this is logical because you can’t play at that level for 90 minutes in every game,” the Barcelona manager, Luis Enrique, told a news conference. “The players are not robots, the idea is to reduce the number of errors and be as consistent as possible.”

He also did not feel he made a mistake by bringing off Neymar and Messi. “I would do the same again,” said Luis Enrique. “I am happy with my decision to take the players off, it was my decision. At the end of the game we did make a few mistakes but generally I am happy.”

The Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic said that it was important to get a win and be relaxed ahead of El Clásico.

“It is good to pick up points and keep improving,” he said. “We controlled the game. Now we have time to enjoy this win, rest and then prepare for the important game so that we can win it.”

The Ajax coach, Frank de Boer, a former Barcelona player, felt his players let themselves down in the first half. “I was very angry at halftime because we can play a lot better and we did do a lot better afterwards,” he said.

“We are a young team with quality but we have to show that. They did take three players off looking ahead to El Clásico but we got a goal and after that anything can happen.

“It was just a shame that straight after that they scored again.”

Ivan Rakitic returned for Xavi after being rested for Barcelona’s weekend win over Eibar while, with Sergio Busquets injured, Javier Mascherano again played in central midfield.

Barça moved the ball around patiently and scored with their first dangerous attack. The Ajax defence had no answer to the home side’s speed and movement as Neymar slotted the ball in.

Immediately afterwards it was Messi’s turn and he fired over. But he was not to be denied with his second chance after 24 minutes after more good work from Iniesta who was pulling the strings with finesse in midfield.

As Barcelona continued to press, Messi found Pedro, whose shot came back off the post.

After the restart Messi hit the side netting while at the other end Ricardo van Rhijn shot narrowly wide. Barça then took the steam out of the game, saving themselves for the weekend, before their late flourish.

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Manchester city champions league hope suffers a major blow

Manchester City's hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League suffered a major blow as they lost a two-goal lead at CSKA Moscow.

Sergio Aguero tapped in Edin Dzeko's pass to give City the lead in a near-empty stadium with fans banned over previous CSKA disturbances.

James Milner slid home the second and then hit the post, before Seydou Doumbia converted from six yards.

Doumbia was fouled late on and Bedras Natcho levelled from the spot.

Leaky City
Manchester City have conceded in 10 straight Champions League matches - 18 goals in all - and have not won since beating Bayern Munich in December 2013.

The impact of Doumbia from the bench helped prevent a seventh successive defeat in the Champions League for CSKA but his tumble under a challenge from Aleksandar Kolarov will anger the visitors.

Kolarov seemed to simply stand his ground in the 18-yard box but the Hungarian referee pointed to the spot in a moment that may end City's hopes of reaching the knockout stages for just the second time in four attempts.

Manuel Pellegrini's side now have two points from three games in Group E after losing at Bayern Munich and drawing at home to Roma.

They beat CSKA home and away in the group stages of last year's competition and will have to beat them at Etihad Stadium in two weeks to stave off another early exit for one of Europe's richest clubs.

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Bayern Munich demolishes Roma

Bayern Munich stunned Roma with their biggest ever away win in Europe to maintain their 100% record in Group E.

Arjen Robben beat Ashley Cole to curl a stunning opener and Mario Gotze combined with Thomas Muller to score.

Robert Lewandowski's header and Robben's powerful finish arrived before Muller's penalty made it 5-0 with just 36 minutes on the clock.

Gervinho headed a consolation but Franck Ribery and Xherdan Shaqiri struck as Bayern reached nine points.

They are now five points clear of Roma and seven ahead of Manchester City, who earlier threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at CSKA Moscow.

A win when the Italian side visit the Allianz Arena in two weeks will guarantee Bayern's progress to the knockout stages, but it is the manner of this win which will worry Europe's elite.

Roma sit second in Serie A and have lost just once at home since the start of last season, but they were demolished by slick attacking football at the Stadio Olimpico.

Robben teased former Chelsea and Arsenal full-back Cole - who was substituted at half-time - before bending his opening goal beyond the dive of Morgan De Sanctis and Gotze's finish from 18 yards swiftly followed.

Lewandowski powered Juan Bernat's cross home, Robben ran clear of the lacklustre home defence to blast the fourth and Muller's penalty came after a cross was handled in the penalty area.

The German champions and 2013 Champions League winners suffered a momentary lapse in the second period when Gervinho headed past Manuel Neuer, who had earlier denied him with a point-blank save.

It was the first goal Bayern have conceded since 30 August, ending an eight-game run of clean sheets.

They responded by introducing Ribery who ran onto Robben's through ball and lifted a stunning chip over De Sanctis before Shaqiri came off the bench to pounce on a spill by the Roma goalkeeper and complete the rout.

Roma boss Rudi Garcia:

"What did we get wrong? Our strategy; we needed to be tighter and use our players to break out, because our individual qualities lend themselves to that style of play.

"We collapsed tactically and in terms of our aggressiveness. We let a team like Bayern play; they have strong players and we knew that. I was the first to make mistakes; it's not the players' fault. The attitude and strategy in the first half were wrong.

"We were like spectators and I don't like that. At the very least we need to be more compact and aggressive.

"We must accept this defeat because it shows us what steps we must take to get closer to the best teams in the world. We're in second place and can still qualify for the next round, but not if we play like we did tonight.

"Losing to Bayern Munich is normal because they always win, but losing in this way hurts

"The only positive is the draw between CSKA and Manchester City, which means that we're second in the group."

Bayern coach Pep Guardiola:

"This is a fluke, it's not normal to win 7-1.

This is one-off result, it doesn't reflect the true difference between the sides. We still have to play Roma in two weeks and I bet you it won't be the same.

"Last season we had the legs but not the mindset. We needed to decide things a split-second quicker and now we're doing that."

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Didier Drogba urges Chelsea team-mates to recreate 'incredible' 95 point season

Having secured his £24m move in July 2004, Drogba quickly settled in and helped Chelsea achieve their first ever Premier League title with ten important goals.

Chelsea broke the record that season by accumulating a staggering 95 points, and are generally considered to be Mourinho's best side.

The West London club's start to the season is reminiscent of their 2005/2006 season, in which they topped the league from start to finish.

Drogba is well aware of the momentum Chelsea have created, and knows the importance of maintaining it. 

"I think we have had a fantastic start to the season. 

"The only game we haven’t won in the League is at Manchester City, otherwise it would have been the perfect start.

"I think after what the group went through last season being close to winning the League and the difficult results in the Champions League, the group is stronger.

"It is more experienced and you learn from this kind of defeat. You try to become a better team, better players, stronger. I hope we have learned from these kind of mistakes. I hope this season we achieve what we want to achieve.

"I think about what Chelsea did in 2004-2005 and how that year was incredible. This is the season we had the moment where we were 12 points in front of Manchester United. We were the best team in the League and one of the best four or five in Europe.

"We had Lampard at his peak, Hernan Crespo and Michael Essien were here the following year. All the players were playing at a really high level.

"For us winning became a habit and we felt so bad when we lost. We want to create a similar feeling now."

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Sunderland players offer fans refund after Southampton mauling

Sunderland fans are to be offered a ticket refund after they travelled to Southampton only to watch their side get hammered 8-0 on Saturday.

Visiting fans made more than a 600-mile round trip in the Premier League, only to see their side humiliated by a series of defensive errors.

Santiago Vergini's inexplicable own goal started things off, and Sunderland continued to contribute to their own downfall as the goals kept coming.

After the game, goalkeeper Vito Mannone revealed he wanted to make amends to the supporters.

It was only the sixth time in Premier League history that a side had been beaten by eight goals or more, and on Tuesday the club announced that fans were entitled to a full refund.

"Sunderland's players have today offered to refund supporters the cost of their match tickets, as well as supporting a local charity, following Saturday's defeat to Southampton," a statement read.

"Fans who do not wish to claim a personal refund will have the cost of their ticket donated to Sunderland-based children's hospice Grace House."

Captain John O'Shea, who recently signed a new contract at the club, expressed his gratitude towards the fans for making the long journey from the north east to the south coast.

"We win and lose as a team, players, staff and fans, however we wanted to acknowledge and thank the supporters who travelled such a long way to give us their backing and despite everything, stayed with us until the final whistle," he said.

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REAL'S BALE MISSES LIVERPOOL GAME

Real Madrid's world record signing Gareth Bale is out of Wednesday's Champions League game at Liverpool with an injured upper thigh muscle.

The 25-year-old Wales forward was an unused substitute in Saturday'swin over Levante in La Liga.

He has not been included in the 20-man squad for the match at Anfield, while Sergio Ramos (calf) is also missing.

Following their trip to Merseyside, Real host Spanish rivals Barcelona in El Clasico on Saturday.

Bale played the full 90 minutes for Wales in both of their recent European Championship qualifying matches, against Bosnia-Hercegovina on 10 October and Cyprus in Cardiff three days later.

Wales' next Euro 2016 qualifying match is against Belgium on 16 November.

Former Tottenham player Bale, who joined Real for £85.3m last year, has played 12 matches for the Spanish side this season, scoring five goals.

Real have won both their opening two Champions League games this season, while Liverpool have won one and lost one.

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