Michael Beale responds after footage appears to show him snubbing Sunderland star Trai Hume’s handshake

Michael Beale has claimed he 'didn't see' Trai Hume after footage appeared to show the Sunderland boss snubbing the defender's handshake offer.

Late on in their 2-1 defeat against Birmingham, Beale opted to substitute the right-back in the hopes of salvaging a result.

Footage shows Hume doing the common practice of stretching out his arm for a handshake from his manager as he made his way to the bench.

However, Beale appeared to ignore him and Sunderland fans on social media were left displeased with how the 43-year-old acted.

The Black Cats boss was asked about the alleged snub afterwards and revealed that it wasn't a deliberate act.

Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle about the incident, Beale said: «I didn't see him, to be honest.

»Trai passed a fitness test to play today and he was on a booking, so it was easier to keep Leo on when we made the change.

«If I've missed him, I'll have to go and see him now and say that to him. Listen, he is probably as close to me as any other player in the squad.

»There was nothing there between me and him, I honestly didn't see him."

Beale then took to Instagram to add further clarity, saying: «Trai Hume is a fantastic player for our club. He gives everything for his teammates and the staff.

»I wasn't aware that I missed his handshake until being asked about it post game. I immediately went to see him to apologise.

«Trai passed a fitness test this morning to play the game and I cannot hold him in higher regard as a man or professional.

»He is an example of everything that is good about a young footballer and our team."

Sunderland's defeat at St Andrew's was their 14th loss in the Championship, with the Wearside outfit now suffering back-to-back defeats.

Beale, formerly of Queens Park Rangers and