Coleman Explains Duo's Absence

Last updated : 17 April 2004 By Mad Reporter
The Fulham boss confirmed that the pair had broken a club curfew last Saturday night, two days before Fulham were beaten 4-3 at home by Blackburn, and were left out of the squad that travelled to Anfield for a breach of club discipline.

"I did not discover what had happened until Thursday, and it was a clear breaking of club rules. We were not in a hotel or anything, they were both at home but they were not supposed to be out on a Saturday evening before a Monday game.

"They have both held their hands up and apologised to me and the team. They have served their punishment and it is now over with."

On the 0-0 result against Liverpool, Coleman said: "I have to be happy with the result. We rode our luck at times as you expect to do at a place like Anfield. But we defended well, asked them a few questions on the break and made up for that home defeat by Blackburn.

"The longer the game went goalless the better for us because their nerves got worse."