Leeds United put out the following statement today explaining why the former Ireland international had refused to play against Burnley in November. They admit that O'Brien he had been suffering from depression and was receiving professional treatment.
Andy O'Brien will resume training this week with Leeds United and will be available for selection.
The club brought disciplinary action against the player following his refusal to play against Burnley on the 19th November 2011. It was announced at that time that the player's future would be determined after a full investigation.
The investigation has led to a fuller understanding of the issues that the player has faced since the start of the season, which has seen him seek specialist medical treatment at the Sporting Chance Clinic for depression. It is felt he is now ready to recommence training and the club will facilitate any further treatment that is required.
The club said: "We were exceptionally disappointed when Andy refused to play before the Burnley game and felt let down. It is now apparent that there were a number of issues that he was dealing with at that time which affected him in a way we could not imagine and he was not in a right state of mind to make such decisions. On this basis we believe he deserves a second chance and we will do everything we can to assist him."
Thankfully, O'Brien has rejoined the team.
Let us remember, though, Ken Bates's statements on O'Brien going AWOL vs Burnley.
If you told the Yorkshire Post that you no longer wanted to write stories for them then I am sure your boss would take that as you having resigned from your employment at the Yorkshire Post. This is no different.
“The only reason Leeds United employ Andy O’Brien is to play football for us. Now, he won’t do that then clearly he no longer wants to work for Leeds United.
“To my mind, that means he has resigned his position. As far as I personally am concerned, Andy O’Brien has left the club and we have moved on.
“We are looking forward without Andy O’Brien and the challenge for the other players is to come in and stake their claim. What happens in the future is what concerns me and not a player who doesn’t want to play for Leeds United.”
As classy as you'd expect.
