Irish full back Stephen Kelly has released a statement saying he is "shocked and disgusted" at comments made by Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni.
After Ireland's win over Poland, Trapattoni was asked about Kelly's absence from the squad. He replied in typical broken English "You know what happened in the situation with Kelly? ‘I play or I go home’"
Kelly's statement reads;
“It is extremely disappointing for me to have to make this statement. I am simply shocked and disgusted with the untrue and unwarranted comments made by Giovanni Trapattoni.
“These hurtful and untrue comments have caused distress and upset to myself and my family who have supported me throughout my career and know the level of commitment and passion I have always shown in representing my country.
“I have proudly represented Ireland from the age of sixteen, and I have never shown anything other than 100% commitment to my country and my team.
“I cannot and will not tolerate attempts to defame my commitment and loyalty to Ireland.
“Representing Ireland at senior international level has given me some of my proudest moments in my professional career, and for me captaining my country will always be my greatest achievement.
“It saddens me greatly that I should have to defend my good character and reputation in a profession I love, however, I refuse to allow anyone to question my passion for representing Ireland.
I will continue as always to proudly be available for my country"
It's a pretty strong statement and follows his Reading club-mate Ian Harte's clown comments earlier the week. Of course it wasn't all bad this week for Trappatoni as an experimental Ireland side did beat Poland 2-0.
The fall out from this could be interesting.
