Gus Poyet has criticised Mike Riley's decision to show Wes Brown a red card in Sunderland's 2-0 loss at Stoke City this afternoon.

Goals from Charlie Adam and Steven N'Zonzi gave Stoke their second home win of the season, but Poyet said that he believes the red card was a pivotal moment in the game.

"It was a key moment - a moment when we were trying to come back and take the game to Stoke," Poyet told BBC Sport. "We were down to 10 men for no reason.

"I would like to know why. If someone can explain I will think about it. I am sure there is no explanation so nobody will call me."

"I don't even think it is a foul. Maybe Mike Riley needs to call me on Monday. I will have my phone on."

The result leaves Sunderland bottom of the Premier League.