Martin O'Neill 'bans players from Cheltenham Festival'

Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill has reportedly banned his players from attending the Cheltenham Festival due to their poor form in the Premier League.

A number of players from the first team are thought to have been guests of bookmakers Bet365 for yesterday's opening day of action.

Despite spending £50,000 on travel and accommodation, the players were told by O'Neill that they didn't deserve to be at the races following their 3-1 defeat to Queens Park Rangers, according to the Daily Mail.

The Black Cats could be sucked into a relegation fight as they sit six points away from the drop zone.