With Leicester City forward Riyad Mahrez missing training for four days and then failing to make the squad for the 1-1 draw with Swansea, it is time he is made an example of and given the boot.
In any other line of work it would be a sackable offence, so why should it be any different for a football player?
Claude Puel and the Foxes should show him the door. It is as simple as that.
After the draw against Swansea on Saturday, Puel said he was ‘disappointed’ with the whole episode, which began when the Algerian put in a transfer request on deadline day in the transfer window, but a proposed move to Manchester City fell through.
Now his actions are hurting his team as they let more points slip through their fingers against struggling opposition.
That harms the club, the fans and, inevitably, costs money.
Quite how he will be received by the supporters when – if – he trots onto the pitch in Leicester colours again will be interesting.
And in my opinion he shouldn’t be given the opportunity. No player is bigger than a club and he should be given the boot.
