Paulo di Canio sacked as Sunderland manager after 'major bust-up' with players

Premier League club Sunderland has sacked its manager Paolo Di Canio after he was involved in a major bust-up with senior players and two old players within the squad that they were sick of his constant criticism.

According to the Mirror, the Italian held a fiery training ground inquest with his squad after the 3-0 defeat to West Brom and the disastrous fall-out ended his reign at the Stadium of Light.

Players were particularly upset to have their effort, professionalism and commitment questioned by their manager, the report said.

The brutal exchange and vocal dissent proved to be the last straw in Di Canio's controversial reign at the Stadium of Light and Roberto Di Matteo is among the early contenders to succeed him, the report added.

Sunderland face Liverpool and Manchester United next in the league, leaving little hope of a revival ahead whoever is in charge, the report further said.