Black Cats defend pricing policy

Barclays Premiership Sunderland have defended the decision to offer cut-price admission to Sunday’s FA Cup third-round clash with minnows Northwich Victoria.

The Conference North side has hit out at the pricing strategy, which will see fans pay £10 (€14.50) and £5 (€7.20) for the match instead of the much higher usual charges for league fixtures, suggesting they will lose out as a result.