Statements issued by both clubs

Coventry City are investigating reports of crowd trouble involving away fans at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Sunderland, meanwhile, say they are "disappointed by the disrespectful behaviour of many away fans" at the match, where it is claimed several home fans were injured.

Mark Robins ' men enjoyed a memorable afternoon on the pitch, beating automatic promotion chasing Black Cats 5-4 in a thrilling encounter on Wearside.

But there were reports of fighting among rival supporters outside the ground, including in a local pub after the match, and complaints from home fans that Coventry supporters threw a number of missiles, including bottles and flares, from their North Stand upper tier vantage point onto Sunderland supporters seated below during the course of the game.

Both clubs have issued statements.

A spokesman for City said today: “ Coventry City is aware of reports on social media and from Sunderland supporters regarding incidents in the North Stand at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

“We will work with the Sunderland and the appropriate bodies wherever necessary to investigate any incidents that took place, and take action if appropriate as a result of the investigations.

“We are also aware of reports from Sky Blues fans regarding incidents outside of the ground, and will also investigate these with the appropriate bodies.

“This follows incidents between Coventry City and Sunderland fans earlier in the season, when steps were required to protect the Jimmy Hill Statue and the Memorial Garden at the Ricoh Arena and fans confronted each other in Car Park B.

“We would urge fans of both clubs to show restraint and respect for each other in any future fixtures between the two sides, and ensure a safe, enjoyable and welcoming environment for all supporters.”

The Sky Blue Army were positioned above the Sunderland fans at the Stadium of Light

A spokesperson from Sunderland AFC said: "Sunderland AFC is disappointed by the disrespectful behaviour of many away fans at the home match against Coventry City yesterday.

"SAFC and Northumbria Police had been in contact with both Coventry and its fans group ahead of the game, acknowledging that there would likely be some sort of protest, and trying to ensure that the match could go ahead in a safe and respectful environment for both sets of fans.

"That turned out not to be the case, with Sunderland fans in the lower tier of the North Stand being subjected to projectiles thrown from the upper tier, where away fans were housed.

"Several Sunderland fans were either injured by the projectiles or had property damaged by smoke bombs thrown from above.

"There were numerous other offences committed, all of which were especially disappointing given Sunderland AFC 's willingness to speak to Coventry fans ahead of the game.

"In response, Sunderland fans demonstrated admirable restraint in the circumstances, for which the club is grateful."

Coventry City legend Dave Bennett believes Sunderland need to re-think where they house away supporters after trouble flared at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Legend calls for re-think

The Sky Blues FA Cup hero of 1987 was at the weekend’s thrilling nine goal encounter, choosing to sit among the travelling faithful rather than enjoy the corporate hospitality on offer to him.

And although the 59-year-old didn’t witness any crowd trouble himself, he believes the location and proximity of home and away fans needs to be looked at by the Black Cats.

As it stands, away fans are located in the North Stand upper tier above home supporters below.

City fans have been accused of throwing missiles including bottles and flares to rival supporters below, with the home club saying that a number of their fans were hurt by the objects.

“I didn’t see anything myself but I heard afterwards that some coins were thrown at the fans below,” said Benno.

“We knew there was always potential for a bit of aggravation because of the history between the two clubs, with the relegation from back in the 70s and all that.

Sky Blues legend Dave Bennett with his Sunderland legend brother Gary at the Ricoh Arena

“At most grounds the away fans are segregated well away from the home fans and it’s not too bad. Away fans are usually given a whole stand to themselves and that’s what they should do at Sunderland so that fans can’t get at each other that easily.

“That way the police can police it accordingly. If you have got fans below rival fans there’s always the potential for problems.

“It only takes one idiot to throw something down and it all kicks off in more ways than one.

“So I’d have thought it would be easier to segregate them.”

Asked about his decision to watch the match with the 2,683-strong Sky Blue Army, he said: “I was invited to go in the corporate area but I thought I’d go and be with the fans.

“I had a couple of friends who were going so I thought why not go and have a crack with the lads.

“And I think I picked the right game to do it.

“I was in the stands with the away fans, and they loved that.

“I was having pictures with them and everyone was shaking my hand and thanking me for what I had done for the club.

“It was certainly a different experience for me as I am usually in the press box or corporate area.”

It was a real family affair for the former City forward whose younger brother Gary, who is a Sunderland legend, also at the game, and Dave happy to enjoy the bragging rights on the day.

'Silky smooth with a powerhouse left foot'

Jordan Shipley is determined to finally stake his claim for a regular place in the heart of Coventry City’s midfield.

The Sky Blues Academy graduate was handed a rare start in the centre of the park on Saturday when Mark Robins’s men stunned automatic promotion chasing Sunderland with victory in a nine goal thriller.

And the 21-year-old stepped up to the occasion, performing superbly throughout and getting a stunning goal to hand City a 4-3 lead early in the second half of the eventual 5-4 victory, to top his outstanding display at the Stadium of Light.

City travelled to Wearside without first choice midfielder Tom Bayliss, who suffered a broken arm in the previous match against Bristol Rovers, and the man who would have been in line to replace him, David Meyler, who has been ruled out for the season with a dislocated shoulder.

But the home grown Shipley proved to be a more than capable stand-in, and the player now hopes to show the manager that he’s worthy of a regular start in his natural position, having often been deployed wider on the left.

“I know I can do that,” said the Coventry-born player, who is hopeful of staying in the side for the remaining four games of the campaign.

“Sometimes I have off days but that’s the type of performance I want to put in week in and week out to try to establish my starting spot in the centre of midfield.

“It’s not nice for Tom and Dave with their injuries because I think they’ve been excellent. But the opportunity has come now and I am going to take it with both hands.”

He added: “It was good to be back and I am always happy with a ball at my feet. I just want to be playing.

“I have had a couple of injuries but I am all right now, good to go.

“That’s my preferred position but obviously I will play wherever the gaffer wants me to play.”

Shipley has a particular knack of rising to the big occasion, as he did in the play-off final at Wembley last season when he scored, and also at Luton

Town in February when he got the all important equaliser to secure a draw against the run-away League One leaders.

“I don’t know, I do like the big games but I like every game,” he said.

“I just want to play the best I can every game and help as much as I can.

“It’s about getting consistency to your game but once I get going and get a run of games I think I can help the team.”

Robins was delighted with the midfielder’s performance but admits a lack of belief in his own ability can hold him back.

“Shippers is capable – a really capable player,” said Robins.

“I think that at times he doubts himself and that sometimes has an impact on his performances, but when he’s like that he just looks silky, he looks smooth and he was going through the gears really well.

“His passing was outstanding and his goal was exactly what you want him to do because he has a brilliant left foot.

“It’s a powerhouse of a left foot.

“He did everything you expect him to because when he picked it up in that position there I always expect him to be able to do that and deliver, and good on him.

“What I want him to do is to keep that belief and that level of performance.”

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