Sunderland boss Roy Keane was SENT OFF during last night's impressive 3-1 friendly victory over Sporting Lisbon.

Keane was sent to the stands for the final ten minutes after arguing with the match officials following Michael Chopra's dismissal for a late foul as Sunderland opened their pre-season campaign with a victory in a four-team tournament in the Algarve resort of Albufeira.

The Premier League side fell behind in the first half but equalised through Roy O'Donovan before Nyron Nosworthy and the impressive Anthony Stokes sealed the win after Chopra had been sent off for a deliberately late, but far from dangerous kick at his marker Marco Caneira.

Keane's removal from the dug-out means he could face a ban for Sunderland's opening Premier League fixture against Liverpool, and the club are certain to appeal against any suspension for former Newcastle striker Chopra, who could be out for three games for violent conduct.