STADIUM OF FRIGHT AS HOOPS RUN RIOT

as a mascot at the Stadium of Light, and his bond with Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe.

Bradley’s parents want money raised to help fund treatments that are not available on the NHS currently.

Celtic went on to win the Dafabet Cup, a trophy provided by the betting company who sponsor both clubs and for whom snooker legend White is an ambassador. And it was clear very early on that Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic, last season’s treble-winning invincibles in Scotland, were going to lift another trophy.

Celtic were ahead in just the fifth minute when Lamine Kone hopelessly sliced a clearance from keeper Jason Steele into the path of McGregor, who slotted home.

McGregor scored with ease again in the 14th minute when the Sunderland defence was carved open and he hit the post before Jonny Hayes made it 3-0 in the 39th minute after Steele – Sunderland’s new £500,000 keeper from Blackburn – had parried a shot from Scott Sinclair.

Sunderland were denied a goal in the first half through four Dorus De Vries saves – three from James Vaughan, including a penalty, and Lewis Grabban. It was Vaughan’s second spot-kick miss in pre-season since arriving from Bury.

McGregor showed how to take a penalty when he netted Celtic’s fourth goal in the 56th minute.

And the classy Stuart Armstrong, a second-half substitute, completed Sunderland’s humiliation with a low strike in the 70th minute.

Clearly, there is plenty of work for Grayson to do after taking over at the relegated Black Cats. This showing certainly did not inspire confidence ahead of Friday night’s Championship kick-off against Derby County.

And it was far too comfortable for Celtic, who repeated their 5-0 win at Sunderland’s old ground Roker Park, 52 years ago.

Grayson, who confirmed that midfielder Jeremain Lens missed the match through injury and not an imminent transfer, said: “That was an eye-opener and a wake-up call.

“Everything that could go wrong did go wrong. It certainly wasn’t ideal.

“And it came just when things had been going along quite nicely in preparation for the season.

“But if you don’t get the basics right a strong team like Celtic will punish you.”