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. Hang your heads in shame Sunderland AFC. You know who you are.’
A host of former Sunderland players have come out in support of Cooke - who is considering legal action - and branded the club’s decision to remove him as ‘shocking’.
Thomas Sorensen said: ‘Cookie is a legend and has given everything to Sunderland. The club should not forget to recognise a person who worked every day of the week, through the night at times, so us players could proudly wear the club badge.'
Matt Piper said: 'Can’t believe what I’m witnessing here! Disgusted is an understatement! The guy who helped build the good times, stuck around when times went bad, played for the club & now bombed out? Shocking.’
And Darren Holloway added: ‘Shocking! No let-up in the poor decisions them upstairs are making!’
League One Sunderland - owned by Stewart Donald - are now looking into the social-media posts of Turner-Cooke before speaking to the player.
