Martin O'Neill Has Warned His Players

Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill has warned his players they have a responsibility to behave on and off the pitch.

Just weeks into his reign at the Stadium of Light, O'Neill has found himself having to deal with the arrest of skipper Lee Cattermole and striker Nicklas Bendtner over an allegation of criminal damage.

Both men were released on police bail after questioning last Thursday as inquiries continue, and were included among the substitutes at Tottenham on Sunday.

Sunderland will wait for the outcome of the investigation before deciding on their own response, but O'Neill has left his players in little doubt as to what is required of them.

He said: "The police have to finish their inquiries, but it's a very serious issue and it's one that wouldn't be overlooked by the football club.

"We do have some responsibility here. Players and managers, I believe, have extra responsibilities now at football clubs.

"My own view is that behaviour on and off the field is of paramount importance, decent behaviour.

"The expectation as well, particularly of footballers now in this league, where they are in a very nice position financially, they kind of owe a debt, and that's something we would like to see happening at this football club."

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