Aston Villa FC

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Reo-Coker banished by Villa

18 Sep 2009 - 14:42:51

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Aston Villa's Nigel Reo-Coker has been sent home from training and dropped from the squad for the game against Portsmouth for disciplinary reasons.

The 25-year-old midfielder is reported to have clashed verbally with manager Martin O'Neill, although talk of a physical confrontation has been dismissed.

O'Neill told the club's official website: "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.

"There was a bit of a contretemps and that is unfortunate. Nigel didn't train this morning and obviously won't play tomorrow.

"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."

Former England Under-21 international Reo-Coker joined Villa in the summer of 2007 from West Ham United and has gone on to score three goals in 79 appearances for the Midlands side.