Maurice Louis-Dreyfus thanks Sunderland fans after Europa League sealed, with cheeky Newcastle nod | OneFootball

Maurice Louis-Dreyfus has sent an emotional message to Sunderland supporters after the Black Cats clinched Europa League football. It included a cheeky nod that appeared to reference the derby double over Newcastle.

Louis-Dreyfus said in an Instagram post that the campaign delivered survival, victories over the visitors twice and a place in Europe, praising an unbelievable team effort. He thanked everyone involved and told fans the post-match scenes were for them.

In their first season back in the Premier League, Sunderland finished seventh to qualify for European football for the first time since 1973-74. Régis Le Bris’ side also beat Newcastle home and away.

The finale sparked emotional scenes across Wearside as players, staff, supporters and members of the ownership celebrated a historic achievement. Louis-Dreyfus, brother of chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, reflected on the journey and thanked the fanbase.

Promoted via the Championship play-offs, many expected Le Bris’ squad to face a battle to stay up. Instead they secured a Europa League berth, completing a rise from League One to Europe in four years.

Source: Sunderland Echo