Sunderland Fans Tear Into star player After Dismal Start vs Sheffield at Wembley

Sunderland AFC’s dream of promotion is already under serious threat at Wembley Stadium, where they find themselves trailing Sheffield Wednesday 1–0 just 25 minutes into the match. And while there’s still time, many fans are already pointing fingers chiefly at young winger Romaine Mundle.

Brought on earlier than expected due to an injury of the top star, Mundle has a nightmare start on one of the biggest stages in English football. A misplaced pass from the 21-year-old helped set up the sequence that led to Sheffield’s opening goal, and fans have erupted online, calling for him to be subbed off immediately.

“He’s not ready for Wembley,” one furious supporter wrote on X. “Send him off or he’ll cost us this final.”

This playoff clash is a high-stakes battle, and Sunderland supporters were expecting focus, urgency, and composure. Instead, Mundle’s appearance has been marked by heavy touches, poor positioning, and a general lack of awareness exactly the kind of showing that can cost a team everything in a winner-takes-all fixture.

The backlash on social media has been swift and ruthless. Within minutes of the Sheffield goal, “Mundle” was trending among Sunderland fans, with many calling his performance “unacceptable” and “amateurish.”

“He gave the ball away and just stood there,” one fan posted. “Wembley is not the place for passengers.”

While Sunderland manager has yet to make any tactical changes, pressure is already mounting from the stands and online. Wembley, filled with thousands of passionate supporters in red and white, has grown tense. The fans know what’s at stake and they’re not impressed.

Mundle’s confidence seems visibly shaken, and his struggles have only deepened since the goal. A heavy first touch just before the half-hour mark led to groans from the Sunderland end of the stadium, adding to what has become an increasingly hostile atmosphere for the young winger.

“This is a final. A promotion final. You can’t afford these kinds of mistakes,” said a Sky Sports commentator during live coverage. “He looks overwhelmed.”

The harsh reaction may feel extreme to some, especially considering Mundle’s age and inexperience at this level. But with so much riding on the result and promotion to the Championship within reach emotions are high, and the margin for error is razor thin.

Supporters are demanding a change. Whether that’s a tactical switch or an early substitution remains to be seen. Dodds is known for trusting his younger players, but even he may have to admit that today might not be Mundle’s moment.

As it stands, Sunderland need a dramatic response to salvage their hopes of returning to the Championship. The second half looms large, and all eyes will be on both the team’s response and Mundle’s fate.

One fan summed up the mood bluntly: “Wembley’s too big for him right now. And sadly, it’s showing.”