Sunderland’s famous win over Manchester United was the result of divine inspiration thanks to their latest fan – the POPE, it was claimed today.
Father Marc Lyden-Smith, Sunderland’s FC’s chaplain, gave the pontiff a club shirt during a visit to Rome last October.
He says Pope Francis is an avid football fan who still regularly follows results from the Stadium of Light.
Father Lyden-Smith believes Sunderland’s Capital One Cup semi-final penalty victory against David Moyes’ side was boosted by the support from above.
He said: “I know Pope Francis will definitely be aware of the result. He takes a lot of interest in football. It can only help to have Pope Francis as a supporter.”
