Toni suspended by Bayern over remarks

Pa
Wednesday 25 November 2009 11:21 GMT
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Italian striker Luca Toni has been suspended by Bayern Munich following his critical remarks about coach Louis van Gaal, according to the Bild newspaper.

Toni told Italy's Rai television on Monday that his relationship with Van Gaal is "as good as over".

"I have had problems with him for four months now and there is a limit to everything," he added in an interview which is likely to have consequences for the 32-year-old.

The first is his exclusion from the squad for tonight's Champions League clash with Maccabi Haifa which, although officially explained as an injury-enforced absence - Toni missed the Bundesliga clash with Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday due to a groin strain - it is being reported by the Bild as a suspension.

"We cannot accept this behaviour and we have made that clear to him," said Van Gaal yesterday.

Whether that is the end of the issue remains to be seen. Van Gaal expects further disciplinary measures to follow.

"That is up to the board," he added.

Philipp Lahm was recently given a club record fine, believed to be in the region of 30,000 euros, for criticising the club in a newspaper interview, and Toni's conduct could land the Italian in hot water while his already-limited chances under Van Gaal now appear reduced to zero.

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