Royals suspend Fae and Sonko

Duo banned and fined after refusing to play for reserves

Last updated: 1st May 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Royals suspend Fae and Sonko

Fae: In hot water

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Reading duo Emerse Fae and Ibrahima Sonko have been fined and suspended by the club after refusing to play for the reserves.

Club record signing Fae and defender Sonko were selected to play against Tottenham Hotspur reserves on Monday evening.

However, the pair informed coaching staff on Sunday that they did not want to play a part in the match, with reports suggesting the duo were reluctant to run the risk of sustaining injuries ahead of games for their respective countries in the summer.

Manager Coppell has confirmed that Fae and Sonko have been fined - reportedly two weeks' wages - and suspended until further notice.

Commitment

"They have been fined and been suspended, but they have a right to appeal," Coppell told the Evening Post. "As far as I'm concerned it's an internal measure and it will stay with in the club.

"I want people here who are committed to the club not themselves. I don't care about the long-term as it's all about what happens now.

"We have two massive games and that is all we're concentrating on. I will re-assess the situation in the summer."

Ivory Coast midfielder Fae joined in a £2.5million deal from Nantes last summer, while Senegal international Sonko arrived on a free transfer in 2004.