Michael Beale denies Trai Hume disrespect, claiming: 'I didn't see him'

Did Sunderland head coach Michael Beale blank Trai Hume in a moment of petulance at Birmingham? He is adamant he didn't.

Michael Beale has claimed he ‘did not see’ Trai Hume when he appeared to blank him as the Norther Irishman left the pitch in the defeat to Birmingham City.

Hume was withdrawn late in the game to make room for Luis Hemir as Sunderland chased an equaliser, and he walked up the touchline directly at Beale.

When he got to the Beale and extended an arm to Beale, the Sunderland head coach appeared to completely ignore him.

Fewer goals and points, rarer wins: Statistics prove Michael Beale has made Sunderland worse

However, despite appearing to be looing directly at the player and stepping out of his way at exactly the moment Hume past him, Beale says he did not know he was there.

"I didn't see him, to be honest," Beale told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"Trai passed a fitness test to play today and he was on a booking, so it was easier to keep Leo on when we made the change. If I've missed him, I'll have to go and see him now and say that to him.

Listen, he is probably as close to me as any other player in the squad. There was nothing there between me and him, I honestly didn't see him."

"What people won't know is, players like Trai Hume playing after a fitness test - going to the well for us," Beale said.

🗣️ "I honestly didn't see him"

🔴⚪️ Michael Beale has spoken to @Tweed_Barnesy after appearing to ignore Trai Hume when he was substituted.#SAFC | #BIRSUN | #BBCFootball

— BBC Sport Tyne & Wear (@bbcnewcastle) February 17, 2024

"I absolutely love him for the mentality that he has."

Meanwhile, Beale also took to his own social media after the game to offer a further explanation.

He again insisted he did not see Hume and it was not a deliberate act at all.

Instagram

"Trai Hume is a fantastic player for our club," Beale wrote. "He gives everything for his team mates and the staff. 

"I wasn't aware that I missed his handshake until being asked about it post game. I immediately went to see him to apologise.

"Trai passed a fitness test this morning to play the game and I cannot hold him in higher regard as a man or professional. 

"He is an example of everything that is good about a young footballer and our team."

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