West Brom rule out Scharner sanction

17 January 2011 11:30

West Brom are to take no action against defender Paul Scharner over his public comments about the club's dressing-room discipline.

Scharner claimed the Albion players had become "lazy" after the abolition of their own internal fines system. Acting skipper Chris Brunt has already voiced his "disappointment" regarding Scharner's outburst made ahead of Saturday's home clash with Blackpool.

But Baggies head coach Roberto Di Matteo said: "We haven't got an issue and, if there is anything to deal with, we'll deal with it internally but there's no great issue. It (Scharner's comments) was a reference to something in particular which is not a great deal."

He added: "I like players with opinions but you need to choose when to do it publicly and when to do it internally. Will there be any action against Scharner? No."

Meanwhile, Brunt does not believe replacing his close friend and axed goalkeeper Scott Carson as Albion's captain will cause any friction between the duo.

Carson was dropped in favour of former Hull keeper Boaz Myhill for the meeting with the Seasiders after a poor run of form, with Brunt handed the armband by Di Matteo.

Brunt said: "The circumstances aren't great with the way things have panned out but that's football.

"But if Scott isn't playing, he can't be captain so there will be no hard feelings between me and him.

"We are good friends, he is my room-mate, I have played with him a long time so I don't think it will be an issue.

"It's the manager's decision and everyone has to respect that."

Source: PA