Luke O’Nien’s funniest Sunderland moments – From cheeky kiss to Alex Scott piggyback
Luke O’Nien has left fans in stitches after some hilarious moments for Sunderland over the years.
The 30-year-old made a rather forgettable League One debut against Charlton Athletic in 2018 and was substituted at half-time.
However, the centre-back has developed into one of the most adored players in Black Cats’ history due to his one-of-a-kind personality.
O’Nien will be absent for Sunderland’s clash with West Ham through injury, but has just put pen to paper on a fresh two-year deal.
Now, Mackem News takes a look back at the defender’s funniest moments, from kisses to piggybacks.
O’Nien kisses Jacob Sorensen as Sunderland take on Norwich City
O’Nien has already started the Sunderland jokes ahead of the new season, claiming he does not want any more centre-halves on Wearside.
The Watford reject has always been a colourful figure in the North East, keen to steal the spotlight with his antics.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 314 | 23 | 16 |
In March 2023, O’Nien found himself in a heated exchange with Norwich midfielder Sorensen before attempting to defuse the situation.
The centre-back planted a kiss on the Dane, who then grabbed his throat, becoming a viral sensation for the incident.
Read more: Luke O’Nien shows true class as exit-bound Sunderland ace speaks out – Exclusive
Why O’Nien gave Scott a piggyback at the Stadium of Light
The 30-year-old was clearly on a windup in the 2022/23 season as he also gave a player a piggyback at the Stadium of Light.
Bristol City’s Scott, now at Bournemouth, was bursting forward on the counterattack when O’Nien took decisive action.
Rather than committing a late foul, the defender decided to jump on Scott’s back, effectively halting the attack.
The referee had no choice but to issue O’Nien a yellow card, with those watching left bemused by the alternative tackle.
Scott and O’Nien could be reunited this campaign, and all eyes will be on the latter tries to see if he replicates his exploits.
- O’Nien was released by Watford, but forged a career in football
- Promoted twice with Sunderland
- Set to make his Premier League debut this season
Anthony Patterson loses Championship record
Sunderland burst out of the blocks last season, scoring goals for fun, while being defensively resolute.
The Wearsiders went three games without conceding a goal until a certain somebody broke Patterson’s record.
Sunderland were on course for a 3-0 win at Fratton Park when O’Nien put the ball past his own goalkeeper.
While he may have been disappointed by the own goal, he made light of the situation on social media by correcting the North East club’s X post.
Sunderland face West Ham this Saturday, and O’Nien will surely be in attendance to watch his beloved club.
Now that he has an even bigger platform for attention, more shenanigans are likely to follow.
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