Rams rage at AWOL Mears

Mears: In a whole load of trouble

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• Derby County
• Olympique Marseille

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• Tyrone Mears

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Tyrone Mears is facing serious disciplinary action from Derby after flying out to France to have a trial at Marseille without the club's permission.

A somewhat bizarre set of events saw the French giants fax Derby with a request to take Mears on trial with a view to a loan deal.

Given Derby rate Mears at around the £2million mark, the approach was given short shrift and Derby believed they had put the matter to bed having discussed the situation with the player.

It was therefore with considerable anger that they met the news Mears had jetted off to take up Marseille's offer; a chain of events that looks likely to lead to his permanent departure once he returns from his AWOL escapades.

Disgrace

"To jump on a plane and go and train with another club without permission is an absolute disgrace and an affront to Derby County and the supporters," an apoplectic Jewell told the Evening Telegraph.

"I have dealt with a lot of things in football but this is incredible.

"Tyrone came to see me about 4pm yesterday and I said to him 'are you willing to go on trial and he said 'no'.

"He is an established player, why should he go on trial? He wouldn't go on trial to a club in this country, something he agreed with.

"I said I'd see him at training today and now this has happened."

Beggars belief

Rams chairman Adam Pearson has echoed Jewell's standpoint and warned Mears that he faces a frosty reception on his return to England.

"To take off without being given permission and go on trial beggars belief," he said.

"There is little doubt he will be disciplined in the most severe way possible.

"We are prepared to sell him but the price will have to be right. He is a proven player with a transfer value."