Furious Bruce to fine Zaki

Wigan boss 'at the end of his tether' with Egyptian

Last updated: 2nd April 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Furious Bruce to fine Zaki

Zaki: Angered Bruce

I just feel it's time that we went public on just what a nightmare he has been to deal with. I can honestly say that in all my time in football I have never worked with someone as unprofessional.

Bruce on Zaki
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Wigan manager Steve Bruce has launched a scathing attack on Amr Zaki after the Egyptian failed to return from international duty on time.

The on-loan striker was due back in Wigan on Tuesday, more than 36 hours after he had taken part in a World Cup qualifier against Zambia.

Compatriot Mido returned as scheduled but Zaki did not show and repeated efforts by club staff to contact the player have proved fruitless.

The Latics have received a faxed report from the Egypt team doctor claiming Zaki has a hamstring injury and needed rest but that has not been backed up by the required scan to highlight the problem.

It is the fourth occasion this season that Zaki has not come back to England promptly and Bruce has promised to fine him heavily.

"I really am at the end of my tether with him," Bruce said on the club's official website.

"Before this latest incident, Zaki had already been fined considerably more than the average person in Britain earns in a year and he will now face another heavy fine.

"This is the fourth time he has not reported back on time from international training.

"I have already fined him the maximum allowed but this just seems to have no effect.

"I am now fearful that if I don't take firm action, it will disrupt the rest of my squad, who - to a man - behave totally professionally.

"I just feel it's time that we went public on just what a nightmare he has been to deal with.

"I can honestly say that in all my time in football I have never worked with someone as unprofessional.

Disappointed

Bruce believes Zaki has let the supporters down and added that personally he felt extremely disappointed by the 26-year-old's behaviour.

"Zaki's behaviour has shown total disrespect to the club who pays him a very good wage and equally as importantly, to the fans who sing his name from the stands," said Bruce.

"I think it's time for them to know the truth about the man.

"This situation needs to be resolved as soon as possible and I don't feel it's appropriate to say anything more at this stage, apart from how let down I feel, personally and professionally."

Comments (8)

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Dan Shaw (Nottingham Forest fan) says...

Unfortunately this is the way that so many so called 'foreign stars' behave these days. Zaki had a stunning first couple of months at Wigan despite half his goals coming from the penalty spot. Since then he's been found out for being the very average player that he is but obviously believes far more in himself than anyone else does. I support Bruce completely in coming out and telling the people that pay his wages what sort of character he really is. Personally I'd make him train by himself and pay him a youth players wage for the rest of the season if his intention is to behave like a spoilt brat. Then I'd ship him back to Eygpt because it would appear that over there is about his standard.

Posted 10:19 3rd April 2009

Danny Lawrence (Tottenham Hotspur fan) says...

Zaki had a good run of form and now thinks he is too good for Wigan, a real representation of the mans true character. A complete lack of respect to the club that has provided him with the chance to perform on the Premiership stage. His ability cannot be questioned but he has grown to big for his boots!

Posted 10:13 3rd April 2009

Tahir Ebrahim (Manchester United fan) says...

Such a pity! He gives his all on the pitch and to hear this is completely inconsistent with the persona he puts on the pitch! He could be a really good player...sort out the behind the scenes stuff Zaki!

Posted 10:07 3rd April 2009

Jay Gee (Arsenal fan) says...

I get the feeling that some foreign players think English football is nothing more than a shop window. We pay good money and have excellent support at all clubs. Once they shine a little they look for a move to some warmer, well paid life in Spain or Italy. I agree.....let him rot in the reserves and fine him 10 x what a "normal" man earns in a year!

Posted 10:07 3rd April 2009

Martin Hayes (Everton fan) says...

I think Bruce is trying to put off potential clubs who want to make a bid for Zaki in the summer. But I don't think he needs to worry about clubs going for him this summer, because his hot streak is well and truely over.

Posted 09:53 3rd April 2009

Lee Fountain (Arsenal fan) says...

I have to agree with the other message, he is a shop window player. Obviously very talented but no one or nothing is bigger than the club and we all know what a bad egg can do to the squad for morale etc. I have a huge amount of respect for Steve Bruce and looking back at his managerial career he has done a fine job. Speaking out about the player is also the least the fans deserve as they are turning out to see Zaki week in week out and he obviously doesnt care that much for them.

Posted 09:32 3rd April 2009

Stevie T says...

he has to fine him nobody is bigger than the football club

Posted 20:50 2nd April 2009

Rob Prestwich (Manchester City fan) says...

Unfortunately you have served your purpose and put him in the shop window. He can now move on to a so called bigger club. Let him rot in the reserves!!

Posted 20:45 2nd April 2009
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