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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Al Ettifaq back Steven Gerrard over outburst at AWOL player

Steven Gerrard has slammed one of his El Ettifaq players for going AWOL.

The club has shown their support to the former Rangers manager after he publicly took aim at Mohammed Al Kuwaykibi for absconding the club's latest match.

The 43-year-old was visibly angry as he spoke about the player declaring himself unavailable to play in the match against Al-Feiha on Saturday. He claimed he was too tired to play in the Saudi Pro League match, which finished in a 0-0 stalemate.

Gerrard told the media: "He got in his car and went home without permission. He was analysed by the doctor, the doctor said he was good to train but he got in his car and said he was tired and went home.

"I am still looking for reasons and answers as to why he wasn't here to help us today."

Now, an official spokesperson for the club has warned Al Kuwaykibi that they're siding with the manager over the matter.

A statement reads: "We refuse to criticise the team's coach, as this is not the first time that Muhammad Al-Kuwaykibi has taken the same position. In Al-Nasr's first match in the league, he missed the main exercises with the same excuse."

Gerrard embraced Fashion Sakala for a Rangers reunion with his former player after the game. 

Meanwhile, Todd Cantwell has suggested he was lucky to avoid a nasty injury during his substitute appearance during Rangers' win at Livingston yesterday.

The midfielder was brought onto the field on 78 minutes by manager Philippe Clement. By 84, he was in referee Steven McLean's book after he reacted to the incident in question.

The former Norwich City player was left unhappy after Livi's James Penrice appeared to catch him high on his left leg with the studs of his boot after falling to the ground.

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