Sunderand manager Steve Bruce has insisted that he will not quit the club after their 2-1 home defeat to Wigan Athletic.
Fans at the Stadium of Light turned on Bruce during the match and at the final whistle, with some focusing on his being born near Newcastle.
"I've never given up on anything in football. My intention is certainly not to walk away or quit, that's not in my nature," said Bruce.
"I can't help where I was born, I've got to live with that, but when you are up against it like we are at the moment you have to stick together and try and see it through and try and turn them (the fans) round.
"It borders on abuse. When it gets like it is, it's disappointing to hear, but I'm a resilient so-and-so and I've had stick all my life and come through it and I'm determined to see it through."
The defeat has left Sunderland in 16th in the Premier League table.
