Five Toon Players Break Curfew!

Last updated : 20 July 2009 By Footy Mad - Editor

John Richardson: "Joey Barton, Damien Duff, Alan Smith, Nicky Butt and Habib Beye all sneaked out from the team hotel during the recent pre-season training trip to the Irish capital.

"They visited the Temple Bar area of the city after 10pm one night, despite caretaker boss Chris Hughton's ruling that the players must remain at their luxurious Carton House hotel in Co. Kildare.

"There is no suggestion that the players - some of whom are tee-total - went drinking but they were determined to enjoy some time away from the rigid training schedule.

"Many of the players have grown disillusioned because of the delays in selling the club and appointing Alan Shearer as manager."

It is understood that Hughton did not punish the curfew-breakers.