Sunderland manager Michael Beale was close to tears after fans paid a moving tribute to his four-year-old niece.
Beale watched from the sidelines on Saturday afternoon as the Black Cats claimed a 3-1 victory over Plymouth Argyle to maintain their progress in the Play-Offs.
However, the best moment for the Sunderland manager came when the home fans paid tribute to his young niece, who has suffered a relapse in her battle with leukemia.
In the fourth minute of the clash at the Stadium of Light, large sections of the home fans gave a minute’s ovation to Beale’s niece.
In a video published on xformerly known as Twitter, Beale became emotional and turned to applaud the home fans.
Sunderland manager Michael Beale was close to tears after fans paid a moving tribute to his four-year-old niece.
Beale had taken to Instagram to share the news that his niece Poppy had had a relapse in her battle with leukemia.
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Later, speaking to club media, Beale spoke about the incident: “My little niece, Poppy, has been going through this for a long, long time.
‘In fact, it rang the New Year’s bell (2022). But then she came back. He had a bone marrow transplant and on Wednesday night we received horrible news.
‘It’s hard to accept, but the fans today… that’s incredible. “It was an emotional moment for me, so I just want to thank everyone.”
Later, in his postgame press conference, Beale had to pause momentarily in emotion and said, “It’s hard to talk about this, thank you all.”
On Saturday afternoon, Beale also addressed instagram to share an update with her followers: ‘Fuck cancer: my niece Poppy is 4 years old.
‘Since he was 18 months old he has been fighting leukemia, he has rang the bell, he has undergone a match and a bone marrow transplant.
‘This horrible disease has returned once again. Life is so hard for a girl and a family who deserve so much more. We love you Pops ❤️, you will beat this once again xx’.
The Black Cats manager spoke visibly excited to the club media after the game.
Jobe Bellingham (R) scored a screamer to help make it three points for the Black Cats.
Sunderland were victorious that day thanks to goals from Pierre Ekwah, Jack Clarke and Jobe Bellingham after Ryan Hardie had given the visitors the lead.
Bellingham’s goal was the best of the group as he danced through the Plymouth defense before curling a shot into the top corner.
The Black Cats now sit sixth in the Championship table as they look to secure a place in the Play-Offs at the end of the season.
Meanwhile, Plymouth sit 15th in the table after suffering back-to-back league defeats.