Late Meslier error hands Sunderland draw against Leeds

The visitors then took advantage shortly after the break through Junior Firpo's low strike, which looked to have sealed victory before Meslier's howler.

Meslier gifted the Black Cats the equaliser in the dying seconds of stoppage time as Alan Browne's attempted cross brushed off Firpo's head and the ball bounced past the goalkeeper as he tried to collect it.

The ball then rolled into the net to hand Sunderland a valuable point, with Farke insisting he had never seen the like in his career.

"I've worked for 30 years in professional football, I've won and lost many points in the last seconds - lucky and unlucky - but to be honest something like this I've not experienced in 30 years of professional football," Farke said.

"To lose those points in this way is heartbreaking, is horrendous, is so sad and disappointing for our lads.

"I feel for my lads because to this moment they've done more or less everything right after such a difficult time.

"To lose two points in the last moment of the game in this way is heart-breaking and tough to take, it feels like a bit like a loss. Before the game I would have said away to Sunderland is a good result."

Farke added: "In this moment you don't have to talk to Illan, he's the most saddest player in the dressing room.

"We've given him a hug and will leave him alone, he doesn't have to explain today."

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris empathised with the goalkeeper, but believes a draw was deserved for his side.

"I'm disappointed for him because I like him," Le Bris said.

"Everyone on the pitch can make a mistake but I think for the goalkeeper and striker, when you make a big mistake the consequences are very important."

The draw left Sunderland two points clear at the top of the table ahead of the weekend's remaining fixtures, while Leeds sit third after missing the chance to draw level on points with their opponents.