City to fine Robinho
Manchester City are set to fine record signing Robinho for his training ground walk-out in Tenerife last week.
The 25-year-old made an unscheduled departure, flying home to Brazil without telling manager Mark Hughes that he had to attend some “family business”.
It was expected that Hughes would land the £32.5m striker with a fine of approximately two weeks wages, that would be touching £200,000 (€214,000), but there have also been suggestions the Blues boss will not impose a punishment at all.
That has been interpreted as weakness in the former Wales manager. Yet it is an accusation he strenuously denies and he confirmed Robinho will be punished.
“I’ve had a talk with Robinho,” said Hughes.
“I have read some of the things that have been said this morning but nothing could be further from the truth.
“I have told Robby about the situation and our intention is to fine him.
“But there is a disciplinary procedure that has to be gone through and that is what we are doing at the moment.
“But what I would like to say is that he will be treated no differently to any other member of the squad.”
Robinho returned to Manchester from South America at the weekend and trained yesterday.
It is expected he will line up alongside new arrivals Craig Bellamy and Nigel de Jong tomorrow evening when City entertain Newcastle in the Premier League at Eastlands.
