Source: Telegraph
Danny Murphy pulls out of ITV appearance after LMA's criticism
The Fulham midfielder, who recently criticised "pumped up" and aggressive tackling, reportedly agreed not to make the scheduled appearance - for ITV during tonight's Euro 2012 qualifier between England and Montenegro - after a conversation with his manager Mark Hughes. [LNB]Murphy's comments, which he made at the Leaders in Football conference last week, were directed at "brainless" players who make violent, "ridiculous" challenges - but he also called attention to the role of football managers in determining players' conduct on the pitch. [LNB] Related ArticlesLMA mistimed its tackle on MurphyDanny Murphy 'wrong to criticise managers'Murphy blasts 'brainless' tacklersSchwarzer still keen on ArsenalWest Ham 1 Fulham 1West Ham v Fulham: liveHe specifically mentioned the physical style of Stoke City, Blackburn Rovers and Wolverhampton Wanderers. [LNB]'You get managers sending teams out to stop other sides from playing, which is happening more and more,' he said. 'The fact is that the managers are sending the players out so pumped up that inevitably there are going to be problems." [LNB]Murphy's comments about managers prompted a response from the League Managers Association (LMA), which issued a statement disputing Murphy's claims. The LMA argued that the highly technical modern game demands "thought, concentration, judgment, patience and perseverance" - not the kind of bone-crunching challenge for which players such as Karl Henry and Nigel de Jong have been criticised recently after a spate of season-ending injuries. [LNB]The LMA's statement concluded: "it is inappropriate for individuals to direct criticism at certain managers who are honest, professional and continue to achieve success on the field with their clubs."[LNB]
