Fan Letters: "Beat Burnley and Sunderland's FA Cup team selection will be vindicated"

01/13/2025 01:00 AM

Thoughts on Saturday's loss to Stoke and Borja Sainz' ban for spitting at Chris Mepham are in the RR mailbox today. Got something to say? Email us: RokerReport@yahoo.co.uk

Dear Roker Report,

Régis Le Bris will only be vindicated on Saturday's selection if we win against Burnley.

Rob Brown

Ed's Note [Phil]: Hi, Rob. Thank you for your letter.

Whilst I had no real problems with Saturday's starting eleven against Stoke, the loss of Aji Alese to what looks like a serious injury did highlight the dangers of playing first team regulars in FA Cup ties, and especially with Sunderland in the midst of a promotion race and doubtless eager to keep everyone as fit as possible.

That said, it was good to see some fringe players get a decent amount of game time, and you're absolutely right- if we can see off Burnley with our regular starters back in the fold, Saturday's loss won't be seen as too big of an issue.

Dear Roker Report,

Borja Sainz. This pig spits at Chris Mepham and the two teams who benefit are Sheffield United and Leeds.

How's that fair?

Gerald Kearney

Ed's Note [Phil]: Hi, Gerald. Thank you for getting in touch.

First and foremost, it was good to see the FA dish out an appropriate punishment to Sainz after his antics during Norwich's visit to Wearside. His behaviour for the majority of the game was disgraceful and spitting at Mepham capped off a thoroughly appalling display.

It's a bit unfortunate in terms of the promotion picture that the teams you mentioned will face Norwich without having to deal with Sainz, but that's merely a coincidence. The fact that he's been punished severely is enough, I feel.