Sunderland launch investigation after club's youth star labelled them 'COWARDS with no class' for letting go his father and kitman John Cooke without any public acknowledgement despite his 35 years of service (including six as a player!)

Sunderland are investigating after one of their players labelled the club’s hierarchy ‘cowards’ for making his father redundant.

Longstanding and popular kitman John Cooke has been let go after 26 years in the role without any public acknowledgement from the club. He also played for the Black Cats between 1979 and 1985.

His son, Jay Turner-Cooke - who plays for the Under-18s and Under-23s - has posted a message on social media saying: ‘35 years at the club and no acknowledgment even though he was made redundant 2 months ago. COWARDS. No class, no loyalty, no respect.