Premier League club Sunderland sacked head coach Paolo Di Canio on Sunday (September 22) after a string of poor results culminating in a 3-0 loss at West Brom.

"Sunderland AFC confirms that it has parted company with head coach Paolo Di Canio this evening," a statement on the club website said. "An announcement will be made in due course regarding a permanent successor."

The Italian leaves Sunderland bottom of the Premier League with one point from five matches. He has won only three of his 13 matches since being appointed last March.

Di Canio, 45, was verbally abused by travelling supporters on Saturday (September 21) and was later highly critical of his players.

He said he accepted that it was part of the game to face criticism from the fans.

He was appointed manager of Sunderland last March on a 2-1/2-year contract after Martin O'Neill was sacked on the previous day.

His appointment was controversial and the Italian was forced to counter critics alleging that he held fascist beliefs.

Sunderland said former club midfielder Kevin Ball would take charge of the team ahead of Tuesday's (September 24) League Cup match against Peterborough.

Presented by Adam Justice

Read more: https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/paolo-di-canio-sacked-sunderland-manager-exit-508144