Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Hammers issue warning to players

The entire West Ham playing staff have received a stinging internal memo from the club's board as a consequence of Julien Faubert's disappearance for the match against Birmingham on Sunday.
Julien Faubert
GettyImagesWest Ham are holding an inquiry into Julien Faubert's disappearance
Faubert refuses to sit on bench
Faubert was initially left out of Avram Grant's squad for the game at Upton Park, but was then asked to sit on the bench after James Tomkins sustained an injury in the warm-up. However, he had already left the ground by the time and, although the club managed to contact him some ten minutes after the kick-off, he refused to return.
An internal inquiry into the incident is underway, but the board have now made clear to the playing staff - and even the management - that all players should be loyal enough and respectful enough to stay at the ground to watch their team-mates.
A source told ESPNsoccernet: "All the players have already had a memo this week. There are those within the club who think it is incredible that they all don't want to stay and watch the team play. There is a feeling that such actions really show a lack of commitment if they don't want to stay even if they are not picked."
For the moment, the board are looking into the matter as there have been suggestions Faubert was concerned about an ill child and might have had a reason for leaving.
The source added: "Under PFA rules, everybody gets seven days' notice of a hearing. There will be a full-scale investigation where the player will get his opportunity to put his side at this internal hearing into the incident.
"Under the rules, it is possible to fine a player two weeks' wages on his first offence of this type. However, it may well be that there was a misunderstanding or he has a logical and reasonable explanation. This is why we are having a hearing."

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