Reading Football Club News

• Nickname:Royals
• Founded:1871
• Manager:Brian McDermott

• Ground:Madejski Stadium
• Capacity:24,200

Long reaction annoys Coppell

16 Mar 2008 - 09:30:08

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Reading boss Steve Coppell hit out at striker Shane Long following his angry reaction to be substituted in the second half of the 2-1 defeat at Liverpool.

Long ripped off his shirt and threw it towards the bench, before being told to sit down and cool down by Coppell, who said afterwards that there will be no repeat of such petulance.

Coppell said: "I have told him I never want to see something like that again and I won't. I will deal with it my way.

"He was annoyed with the officials, just frustrated. He was playing against a centre-half who was six inches taller and every time they came together it was a free-kick for Liverpool.

"I understand his frustration and that is how he expressed it. But it was not the right thing to do."

Long later apologised for his angry reaction, telling the club's official website: "I was disappointed in myself, I couldn't blame the manager for taking me off.

"I meant no disrespect to the manager, staff or the fans. I shouldn't have done it.

"I was disappointed going off the pitch, coming to a place like Anfield you want to impress. It didn't happen for me and I just hope I can make amends next week."