AFC Bournemouth boss ‘Andoni Iraola’ fuming after 3–2 defeat, calls Sunderland AFC a “SHAMELESS CLUB” and explains why he ghosted Régis Le Bris handshake

A furious Andoni Iraola delivered one of the most explosive post-match interviews of the Premier League season after Bournemouth  2–0 lead and later fell to a 3–2 defeat against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Despite a blistering first half that saw Bournemouth in complete control, Iraola stormed down the tunnel at full-time, refused to shake Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris’ hand, then re-emerged moments later to unleash a stunning tirade live on television.

The match itself featured twists, momentum swings and big moments, but none were as dramatic as the Bournemouth manager’s reaction. Sky Sports cameras captured Iraola visibly shaking his head throughout the closing stages, and his post-match interview confirmed the depth of his anger.

“Sunderland were a shameless club today”

Iraola opened the interview with a sentence that left the Sky Sports reporter at a loss for words.

“Sunderland were a shameless club today. Completely shameless,” he said, his tone calm but icy.

“What happened on that sideline, I have not seen in professional football for a long time.”

When asked to elaborate, Iraola accused members of Sunderland’s technical staff of constant provocation, intimidation toward Bournemouth’s bench, and attempts to influence officials at every decision.

“We tried to play football. They tried to play the referee,” he said.

“I will never respect that. I will never pretend that is normal behaviour.”

Why Iraola ghosted Le Bris’ handshake

The biggest talking point of the afternoon came when Iraola walked straight past Le Bris at the final whistle, stiffly brushing off the Sunderland manager’s outstretched hand.

Fans noticed. Cameras noticed. And Sky Sports made sure to ask.

Iraola didn’t hesitate.

“When someone disrespects my staff for 90 minutes, they don’t get my hand afterward,” he said firmly.

“I am not here to smile for the cameras and act like everything is perfect. It was not perfect. It was embarrassing.”

He added:

“I respect this sport too much to shake hands with someone who behaved like that.”

Sky Sports pundits in the studio described Iraola’s comments as “nuclear”.

“We were surrounded for every decision”

Iraola claimed Sunderland staff swarmed the fourth official repeatedly and attempted to rattle Bournemouth players throughout the match.

“Every foul, every throw in, every moment, they were surrounding the officials. It was like a theatre show,” he said.

“And when we asked for calm, we were shouted at. We were insulted. This is not football.”

He insisted his own players “kept their dignity” and refused to engage in the chaos.

When Sky tried to shift the conversation back to football, Iraola offered only a brief outline of the match’s turning points.

Bournemouth had stormed ahead inside 15 minutes through excellent finishes from Amine Adli and Tyler Adams, controlling the opening period and silencing the Stadium of Light.

But Sunderland fought back, first with Enzo Le Fée converting a 30th-minute penalty, then Brahim Traoré equalising seconds after halftime.

The comeback was completed in the 69th minute when Brian Brobbey powered home the winner after a quick transition.

Even then, Iraola seemed uninterested in tactical explanations.

“We lost focus because we were dragged into nonsense, not because Sunderland were better,” he said.

“The football we played in the first half was top level. What happened around the pitch destroyed the game.”

“My players deserved better”

Iraola did, however, praise his squad for refusing to react to what he viewed as Sunderland’s antics.

“If my players behaved the way their bench behaved, I would fine them. Immediately. I am proud of them for keeping their heads when nobody else did.”

He grew more emotional as he continued:

“You cannot win every match. But you should never lose a match because the environment becomes hostile in a way that is not football.”

The Premier League is expected to review the touchline behaviour, and Sunderland may be asked for comment after such direct accusations.

As for the handshake snub, Le Bris reportedly told French media he was “surprised” and would “address it privately if necessary.”

But Iraola made it clear he had no regrets.

“I stand by every word,” he said as he walked away from the interview.

“Football deserves respect. Today, there was none.”