Sunderland boss Steve Bruce dedicated their 3-0 win over Blackburn Rovers to Sam Allardyce.
Bruce was a happy man after seeing Darren Bent, Asamoah Gyan and Danny Welbeck rediscover their touch in front of goal.
He said: "I would like to say, that's for Sam. I spoke to him this morning and the nonsense that went around with his sacking, that was for him.
"I hope he has a drink in Dubai, where he is at the moment. That was for him.
"I know he is a pal, but the ludicrous position they have put themselves in is quite unbelievable, whoever has taken over there.
"To sack someone like Sam and then appoint his coach, I find totally and utterly ridiculous, not just because he is a friend.
"The whole of football - the number of conversations I have had have been all about Sam and what the hell is going on.
"A result like that puts football, for me, the right way."