Former Sunderland and Leeds United player Ian Harte caused a social media reaction after his most recent statements.
Ian Harte has responded to Sunderland supporters after the former Leeds United defender’s social media tweet on Sunday night sparked more backlash.
Harte, who has previously represented the Republic of Ireland, Reading, Bournemouth, the Black Cats, and the Whites, is now representing former Sunderland winger Jack Clarke, who moved to Ipswich Town for a large fee last summer.
Clarke became a fan favourite while in Sunderland, but the club’s hierarchy and the player’s management team were unable to reach an agreement on a new contract at the Academy of Light. With his contract expiring, the crafty attacker was sold. Prior to the trade, Harte received harsh criticism from Sunderland fans for comments made on the Tippy Tappy podcast when Clarke was still with the Black Cats.
Harte stated to Sam Allardyce that he “hoped” to see his client move in the summer, which was taken by Sunderland fans as a clear indication that the former left-back was trying to engineer a move for his client away from Wearside.
Harte later moved to clarify his comments following significant backlash from Sunderland fans after the podcast was released to the public, but the damage was already done in the eyes of supporters. Indeed, Clarke did eventually leave the club, and Harte was perceived to be the main reason behind the departure.
However, Harte – who is also involved with Sunderland defender Niall Huggins and has a family connection with young winger Tommy Watson – sparked fresh annoyance from Black Cats fans on social media after Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup final win over Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on Sunday night.
Harte, who worked with Magpies boss Eddie Howe at Bournemouth previously, wrote following the game: “EDDIE HOWE’S TOON ARMY!!! So happy for him, the TEAM and Newcastle United.” The post prompted an angry backlash from Sunderland fans, with many seeing it as a deliberate dig given the recent history with Clarke and Harte having played for Sunderland, albeit briefly.
Harte later moved to clarify his comments following significant backlash from Sunderland fans after the podcast was released to the public.
“To be honest, Jack loves it at Sunderland,” Harte responded when asked by The Echo about his comments. “I go to a hell of a lot of the home games. It is a fantastic club with a great fanbase. He is happy there. Unfortunately what I said came out wrong and I upset certain people but that was never my intention.”
