Ally McCoist leaps to Sunderland’s defence after ‘crazy’ moment vs Coventry City slammed

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Sunderland have been criticised after the Coventry City meeting but Ally McCoist is backing Regis Le Bris’ side.

The Championship play-off semi-finals drew to a close on Tuesday evening when Sunderland hosted Coventry City.

The winner already knew that a place in the final against Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium awaited.

Regis Le Bris’ men went into the game with a 2-1 lead following something of a tactical masterclass at the CBS Arena in the first fixture.

However, Coventry took a 1-0 lead on May 13, forcing the game into extra time before Sunderland eventually progressed to Wembley with a late, late winner.

• READ MORE: Ex-Sunderland striker warned fans they were having negative impact on team before dramatic late winner

Ally McCoist defends Sunderland celebrations vs Coventry City

Dan Ballard was praised for his performance in the first meeting between the two sides last week.

And the defender was once again crucial on Tuesday, scoring in the 121st minute to earn Sunderland a draw on the night and a place in the final.

Following the tie, Micky Gray hit out at Sunderland’s players for how they celebrated on the night.

His comments have been played on talkSPORT on Wednesday morning, with Ally McCoist going on to back the North East outfit for their ‘crazy’ celebrations.

In response to Gray’s comments, McCoist said: “In normal circumstances, I don’t think anybody would have behaved like that. Of course they wouldn’t.

“I mean if the goal had gone in in the 80^th minute, for example, I don’t think you see, I genuinely don’t think you see those scenes at the end. I genuinely don’t.

“I just think at the time, the timing of the goal, the extra time, effectively it was the last touch of the ball, and the whole place goes crazy. I get it, I don’t have a problem with that at all.”

• READ MORE: Frank Lampard struggles to hold back emotions after Coventry City’s heartbreaking play-off defeat

Dan Ballard on winner for Sunderland vs Coventry

It only secured Sunderland a draw on the night, but Ballard’s goal has put Sunderland into the final later this month.

Speaking live to Sky Sports after the match, the defender said on his effort: “I was just so determined, I can’t remember what happened, it just happened like that – some feeling that.”

Ballard went on to praise the Sunderland fans, adding: “It’s what dreams are made of really. The fans today were absolutely incredible.

“It was just feeling like it wasn’t going to be our day and all the lads were desperate to try to give them something to celebrate.”