With just days to go before a match on Sunday, Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley went out on the town this week to disastrous consequences — only days before their final match of the season against Tottenham Hotspur where Arsenal will be hoping that Bardsley and his colleagues will put up a good fight.

Bardsley was photographed with teammate Matt Kilgallon Wednesday night gambling in a local casino where he later appeared to pass out on the floor as his friends layered £50 notes around the Sunderland defender.

Sunderland are already lacking depth for Sunday’s match, so it’s critical that Bardsley and his colleagues are match fit. Craig Gardner and Stephane Sessegnon are suspended due to red cards, while Danny Rose, Steven Fletcher, Lee Cattermole and Wes Brown are injured.

 

To make matters worse for manager Paolo Di Canio, in addition to Bardsley and Kilgallon partying hard at a local casino, the Sunderland boss could be down to just 14 first-team regulars for the match at White Hart Lane on Sunday, and he may need to bring four youngsters with him just to make up the numbers.

 

What’s your opinion about Phil Bardsley’s actions? Do players deserve a night out? What do you think about the excess of money on display? And if you’re an Arsenal supporter, what’s your opinion about Sunderland not seeming to care much about their match on Sunday against Tottenham Hotspur, which could have a big impact if Arsenal slips up against Newcastle?