Euro 2012: Huntelaar’s absence fuels unrest rumours

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar was left an upset figure as Persie got the nod ahead of him to lead the Dutch attack. PHOTO: AFP

The 28-year-old had been left seething when Robin van Persie was preferred to him for their match against Denmark which they lost 1-0. Van Persie gave a listless performance and Huntelaar was finally sent on with 20 minutes remaining.

All the Dutch players were due to meet with the domestic press on Monday but the Dutch Football Federation announced that Huntelaar would now be absent, further increasing speculation about unrest in the Dutch squad.

One-match bans for Papastathopoulos, Szczesny

Greek defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Poland goal-keeper Wojciech Szczesny, who were both sent off in the opening match have been suspended for one match.

Papastathopoulos was sent off after receiving two yellow cards while Szczesny got a straight red. A Uefa said that the one-match suspension was in line with the rules, which can be applied unless there are other aggravating disciplinary factors.

No aggravating factors were reported in the dismissals. Papastathopoulos will be available for Greece’s final group match against Russia and Szczesny for Poland’s game with the Czech Republic, both on June 16.

Published In The Express Tribune, June 12^th, 2012.