Bayern outraged with Dutch as Robben sidelined again
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Bayern Munich have accused the Netherlands of allowing Arjen Robben to play at the World Cup with an injury after announcing that the winger would miss the first two months of the Bundesliga season yesterday.
Bayern said on their website that a routine pre-season exam had shown Robben had a torn muscle in his left thigh, adding that he had suffered the injury shortly before the World Cup.
The 26-year-old missed the his team's first two group matches at the World Cup, but then played in the remaining five and helped the Dutch reach the final where they lost 1-0 to Spain.
"This is a severe injury," club doctor Hans-Wilhelm Müller-Wohlfahrt said. "I find it irresponsible that this injury has not been precisely diagnosed and that they have let Arjen play. For my part, I offered to help with the diagnosis but this was not taken into account."
Robben, who scored two goals at the World Cup but missed a superb chance to put the Dutch ahead in the final, was quoted as saying: "It's a shock for me to get a diagnosis like this on my return. I'm very disappointed. This absence is bitter for me and for the team."
Club president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was also upset. "Naturally, Bayern Munich are angry," he said. "Once again, we as a club must pay the bill after a player has been severely injured with his national team."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments