Monday 17 October 2016 13:02, UK
Didier Drogba refused to play in a crunch fixture for Montreal Impact after learning he would not start the game, according to his boss.
The Impact, who booked their place in the MLS Cup play-offs with a 2-2 draw against Toronto on Sunday, announced on their Twitter feed before the game that their high-profile Drogba was absent with back trouble.
But head coach Mauro Biello confirmed after the match that reports Drogba had demanded to be removed from the 18-man squad after learning he wouldn't start were true.
"Didier was not selected to start the game," said Biello. "I spoke with him yesterday. He did not accept to come off the bench. In the end he did not want to be in the 18. He said that he did not accept the fact that he was coming off the bench.
"There was tightness in his back, yes, but he was capable of playing," Biello added of the 38-year-old Ivorian. "The organisation will have to handle this."
Ignacio Piatti scored twice for the Impact, making the breakthrough with a 19th-minute screamer and then converting a penalty after Jozy Altidore had equalised shortly after the restart.
An 86th-minute goal from Tosaint Ricketts salvaged a draw for Toronto but the result - combined with New England Revolution's 2-1 loss to the Chicago Fire - saw both Canadian sides through.
Despite his apparent annoyance, Drogba congratulated his team-mates on Twitter, writing: "Congratulations @impactmontreal! 2nd consecutive year for the playoffs #historique."
