Michael Beale apologises to Trai Hume for appearing to ignore the Sunderland player’s attempted handshake after receiving backlash from Black Cats fans on social media for snub

Sunderland manager Michael Beale has apologized after being criticized for ignoring Trai Hume when the Black Cats player tried to shake his hand after being substituted.

The viral images have put Beale in trouble with some sections of Sunderland fans now calling for the club to sack him.

The incident occurred in the 88th minute, when Hume was taken off with Beale’s team trailing 2-1 to Birmingham and seeking a late equaliser.

Hume, 21, extended his hand to Beale as he walked behind him to the substitutes’ bench, but his coach ignored him and continued to closely monitor the game.

Beale has now publicly apologized on social media, labeling the defender “an example of everything good about a young footballer”, while rejecting suggestions he deliberately ignored Hume.

‘Trai Hume is a fantastic player for our club. He gives everything for his colleagues and his staff.

“I didn’t realize I missed his handshake until I was asked about it after the game. I immediately went to see him to apologize.

“Trai passed a fitness test this morning to play and I couldn’t think more highly of him as a man or a professional.

“He is an example of everything good about a young footballer and our team.”

Beale was appointed Sunderland manager in December following a previously failed managerial appointment at Scottish giants Rangers.

Beale, who previously worked as Steven Gerrard’s assistant earlier in his career,’s arrival in the North East sparked concern among supporters over the ambitions of the club’s hierarchy.

Beale has so far won just two of his first 12 games in charge at the Stadium of Light and Sunderland currently sit 10th in the Championship.