Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley reportedly mocked the club's opening Premier League defeat to Fulham via online photo site Instagram.

The 28-year-old has been pushed out of the Black Cats squad following manager Paolo Di Canio's rage at the player last season after he was pictured at a casino.

According to the Sunderland Echo, Black Cats Under-21 player Scott Harrison posted a photo of the tunnel at the Stadium of Light with the caption "#opening day" ahead of the 1-0 defeat.

Following the match, Bardsley is said to have commented on the photo with the message: "Great opening day. Hahahhahaha hahahhaha!!!"

Bardsley has not been given a squad number by Di Canio.

Written by
Danielle Joynson