 |
| Nigel Reo-Coker © Reuters |
Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker is in hot water with
Martin O'Neill after being sent home from training following a
bust-up with the Premier League club's manager.
Reports in England on Friday claimed Reo-Coker had become
engaged in a shoving match with O'Neill on Thursday after
expressing unhappiness at being substituted during last Sunday's
1-0 win at local rivals Birmingham.
The former West Ham star is also said to be frustrated by
O'Neill decision to use him primarily as a right-back rather than
in his preferred midfield role.
When Reo-Coker arrived for training at Villa's Bodymoor Heath
complex on Friday, he was told to stay away until Monday.
O'Neill confirmed that he had been involved in a disagreement
with Reo-Coker, but said it was a verbal rather than physical
clash.
"There was a mishap on the training ground. It's a common
occurrence between players but on this occasion, unfortunately, it
was between the manager and a player," O'Neill told Villa's
website.
"There was a bit of a contretemps and that is unfortunate. Nigel
didn't train this Friday and obviously won't play
Saturday.
"There were no fisticuffs. There was no wrestling to the ground
as reported in one newspaper. That was a figment of the onlookers'
imagination.
"But there was enough for me to treat the incident seriously
enough. I have dealt with the issue how I see fit and that's the
end of it.
"Come Monday, we're back to normal again. I am the custodian of
this place - my rules apply."
Reo-Coker was linked with a move to Tottenham during the
close-season and his confrontation with O'Neill will undoubtedly
cast a doubt over his long-term future at the club despite his
manager's assurance that he won't bear a grudge.
 | |  | | | Remember to go to www.supersport.com on your Mobile phone and keep in touch with the latest scores wherever you are. |  |
| |  | |  |
|
