Source: Eurosport
Martins Denies Shearer Rift
Obafemi Martins has admitted he could understand Alan Shearer's frustration over his late withdrawal for the match against Stoke.[LNB]The Newcastle striker played no part in the 1-1 draw on Saturday after waking up on the morning of the game with groin trouble.[LNB]Shearer was unhappy that he had to change his plans just hours before kick-off and asked Martins to explain what happened.[LNB]There have been suggestions that the incident created a rift between player and manager but Martins will not face punishment.[LNB]The Nigerian realises why Shearer was upset but insists he could do little to help the situation and made the right decision to pull out.[LNB]Martins, who was last week described as a key player by Shearer, is looking forward to playing a major role in Newcastle's battle against relegation.[LNB]"I understand why the manager was frustrated because he had to change his plans," he said in The Guardian.[LNB]"But I woke up in so much pain that I knew I could not give 100 per cent, so I decided I couldn't play.[LNB]"I didn't want to let the team down. And, with so many important games coming up, I needed to think about staying fit for the future."[LNB]
