SUNDERLAND look to be in trouble with the Football Association after it was discovered the club played suspended midfielder Alex Rae in three pre-season friendlies.
The 26-year-old Scotland B international joined the Premiership new boys from Millwall during the summer for GBP1 million with a three-game ban still to be served following a sending off for the Lions against Oldham last season. But Roker boss Peter Reid, apparently unaware of the situation, plunged his new recruit into friendly action before Sunderland realised that they had breached FA regulations. The FA are still awaiting the Roker Park club's explanation.
Players serving suspensions are not allowed to play even in friendlies and the Wearsiders immediately contacted Lancaster Gate when they realised their blunder.
