Maurice Louis-Dreyfus salutes Sunderland fans with cheeky Newcastle nod after Europe sealed | OneFootball

Maurice Louis-Dreyfus has hailed Sunderland supporters after Europa League qualification, adding a cheeky nod to this season's derby double over Newcastle United.

Sunderland capped their first campaign back in the Premier League by finishing seventh, securing a top-10 place and the club's first European berth since 1973-74. Maurice Louis-Dreyfus said in a post that the season brought survival, a top-10 finish, two wins over the visitors and Europa League qualification, praising an unbelievable team effort and thanking fans.

The reference to "visitors" appeared to be a playful nod to two wins over Newcastle, as Régis Le Bris' side completed a memorable derby double on their way into Europe.

The result prompted emotional scenes across Wearside, with players, staff, supporters and members of the ownership group celebrating a historic achievement.

Promoted through the Championship play-offs, Le Bris' side had been tipped for a survival scrap. Their season defied those expectations, capping a four-year rise from League One to continental competition.

Source: Sunderland Echo