Michael Beale brought close to tears after touching tribute to 4-year-old niece

Sunderland boss Michael Beale was brought close to tears after supporters paid a touching tribute to his four-year-old niece.

Beale watched on from the sidelines on Saturday afternoon as the Black Cats secured a 3-1 win over Plymouth Argyle to maintain their Play-Off push.

However, the best moment for the Sunderland boss came when home supporters paid tribute to his young niece, who has had a relapse in her battle with leukaemia.

In the fourth minute of the clash at the Stadium of Light, large sections of home supporters performed a minute-long ovation for Beale's niece.

In a video posted onto the X, formerly known as Twitter, Beale was overcome with emotion and turned round to applaud the home fans.

Then speaking to club media afterwards, Beale spoke on the incident: 'My little niece, Poppy, has been going through it for a long, long time.

'She actually rung the bell on New Years [2022]. But then it's come back. She had a bone marrow transplant and we got some horrible news on Wednesday evening.

'Difficult to take but the fans today... that's incredible. It was an emotional moment for me so I just want to say thank you to everybody'.

Later, in his post-match press conference, Beale had to momentarily pause after being overcome with emotion and said: 'It is hard to speak about it, thanks to everyone.'

On Saturday afternoon, Beale also took to Instagram to share an update with his followers: 'F*** cancer - my niece Poppy is 4yrs old.

'From 18 months old she has been fighting leukemia, she has rang the bell, she has gone through a bone marrow match and transplant.

'This horrible disease has returned once again. Life is so harsh on a little girl and family that deserve so much more. We love you Pops ❤️ you will beat this once again