Vito Mannone believes he and his team-mates should reimburse all the Sunderland fans who witnessed the 8-0 hammering at Saints.

The Italian goalkeeper has established himself as Gus Poyet's first choice despite the arrival of former Manchester City man Costel Pantilimon, but endured an afternoon to forget as the Black Cats suffered a humiliating defeat at St Mary's.

The Sunderland supporters continued to cheer for their players until the final whistle and former Arsenal man Mannone insisted he wants to meet the costs of the 700-mile away day for the 2,500 fans.

The gesture comes at a time when the cost of following a top-flight team has again been criticised and Mannone is keen to make up for a game that will be remembered for a long time, for all the wrong reasons, in the north-east.

“I will personally talk to the team to see if it is possible to pay for their tickets and their trip," he said.

“I really mean that we should pay their tickets and travel. I will do everything possible.

“We should do it because we didn't put a foot in, we didn't work hard.

“We started the game well but after we conceded we threw in the towel and I include myself.

"It is difficult for us but it's very difficult for them (the fans) as well.

“It is a difficult moment.

“As I said they are special fans. We are really lucky to be at this club and have these fans. If it was me, I would probably not react in the same way."

Not only did two of the goals come courtesy of own goals from his team-mates, but Mannone fumbled a shot from Jack Cork for the third Saints goal.

He also gifted possession to the impressive Dusan Tadic to allow the Serbia winger to tuck away his maiden Premier League goal - the sixth he conceded on the day.

Mannone added: “Let's take it on the chin and go again because we have another 30 games.

“I take all the responsibility I can take for each goal. I will try to work on it and try to improve.

“Each one of us should do the same. To try to defend and be in a game properly as a unit. Each one of us knows there were mistakes.”