Post by Natty on Apr 2, 2009 18:35:16 GMT -1
Wigan manager Steve Bruce has launched a scathing attack on Amr Zaki after the Egyptian failed to return from international duty on time.
The on-loan striker was due back in Wigan on Tuesday, more than 36 hours after he had taken part in a World Cup qualifier against Zambia.
Compatriot Mido returned as scheduled but Zaki did not show and repeated efforts by club staff to contact the player have proved fruitless.
The Latics have received a faxed report from the Egypt team doctor claiming Zaki has a hamstring injury and needed rest but that has not been backed up by the required scan to highlight the problem.
It is the fourth occasion this season that Zaki has not come back to England promptly and Bruce has promised to fine him heavily.
"I really am at the end of my tether with him," Bruce said on the club's official website.
"Before this latest incident, Zaki had already been fined considerably more than the average person in Britain earns in a year and he will now face another heavy fine.
"This is the fourth time he has not reported back on time from international training.
"I have already fined him the maximum allowed but this just seems to have no effect.
"I am now fearful that if I don't take firm action, it will disrupt the rest of my squad, who - to a man - behave totally professionally."
Disappointed
Bruce believes Zaki has let the supporters down and added that personally he felt extremely disappointed by the 26-year-old's behaviour.
"Zaki's behaviour has shown total disrespect to the club who pays him a very good wage and equally as importantly, to the fans who sing his name from the stands," said Bruce.
"I think it's time for them to know the truth about the man.
"This situation needs to be resolved as soon as possible and I don't feel it's appropriate to say anything more at this stage, apart from how let down I feel, personally and professionally."
naughty person he wont last at the club.
The on-loan striker was due back in Wigan on Tuesday, more than 36 hours after he had taken part in a World Cup qualifier against Zambia.
Compatriot Mido returned as scheduled but Zaki did not show and repeated efforts by club staff to contact the player have proved fruitless.
The Latics have received a faxed report from the Egypt team doctor claiming Zaki has a hamstring injury and needed rest but that has not been backed up by the required scan to highlight the problem.
It is the fourth occasion this season that Zaki has not come back to England promptly and Bruce has promised to fine him heavily.
"I really am at the end of my tether with him," Bruce said on the club's official website.
"Before this latest incident, Zaki had already been fined considerably more than the average person in Britain earns in a year and he will now face another heavy fine.
"This is the fourth time he has not reported back on time from international training.
"I have already fined him the maximum allowed but this just seems to have no effect.
"I am now fearful that if I don't take firm action, it will disrupt the rest of my squad, who - to a man - behave totally professionally."
Disappointed
Bruce believes Zaki has let the supporters down and added that personally he felt extremely disappointed by the 26-year-old's behaviour.
"Zaki's behaviour has shown total disrespect to the club who pays him a very good wage and equally as importantly, to the fans who sing his name from the stands," said Bruce.
"I think it's time for them to know the truth about the man.
"This situation needs to be resolved as soon as possible and I don't feel it's appropriate to say anything more at this stage, apart from how let down I feel, personally and professionally."
naughty person he wont last at the club.
