Sunderland are considering taking legal action against Paolo Di Canio following their former manager's tirade against a number of his old players.

The Italian was sacked by Sunderland in September after a tumultuous 13 games in charge, amid talk of a player rebellion against his disciplinarian style.

Di Canio finally spoke over the weekend, blasting many of his old players as “cowards” and saying the club were “weak” for not giving him more backing.

In a statement on Monday, Sunderland said the matter is now in the hands of their lawyers. “Sunderland AFC would like to express its’ disappointment in relation to the disparaging comments made recently by Paolo Di Canio, regarding the club and its players,” it read.

“The club is immensely proud of its players for the dignified and restrained manner in which they have conducted themselves publicly since Mr Di Canio’s departure and it is particularly disappointing to read such comments when there are legal obligations in place to ensure such behaviour does not occur.

“The club is now considering its position with its legal representatives.

“Having reached a cup final for the first time in 22 years, whilst also enjoying a run of only one loss in 12 games, we want to focus on what is a positive time for the football club and we would hope it is possible to draw a line under this matter quickly and that there will be no repetition.

"Neither the club, head coach Gus Poyet nor the players will be making any further comment on the situation. We are looking forward, not back and are focusing on the vital games we have ahead of us."

Guardian Service