Sky Sports suggests that Sunderland players complained to the clubs hierarchy prior to Paolo Di Canio's sacking on Sunday.
The Italian was given his marching orders less than six months after taking the reins at the Stadium of Light in the wake of Saturday's 3-0 loss at West Bromwich Albion.
It is believed that a group of senior Black Cats players approached the board of directors with negative views on Di Canio's management style with the higher powers then making a decision to end the firebrand's tenure on Wearside.
Academy coach Kevin Ball has stepped into the role on an interim basis and will oversee Tuesday's Capital One Cup clash with Peterborough United and the weekend's Premier League meeting with Liverpool.
