Robson tries to extinguish stars' hotel 'prank'
West Brom fans have hit out at the behaviour of a number of the club’s players during a training break in Dubai.
Members of Bryan Robson’s squad were involved in an incident where a fire extinguisher was let off and walls and carpets were damaged at the Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa complex.
Robson claimed it was “a silly prank” and that those involved had apologised and paid for the damage.
But supporters were not happy with events at the sunshine resort which followed on from Albion’s 6-1 drubbing at Fulham the previous weekend.
Terry Wills, former co-editor of the Albion fanzine ‘Grotty Dick’, told the Birmingham Sunday Mercury: “This is appalling. I feel absolutely ashamed of the players. They have behaved as if they were on a stag weekend, not professional footballers representing the club.
“Players today lack self-discipline. They are so well paid and should show some dignity while on a trip abroad.
“Instead they drag the good name of the club through the mud and let us down off the pitch as well as on it. I hope the club takes the proper disciplinary action with the players involved.”
Fans have also vented their anger during local radio phone-ins and via internet message-boards.
Robson, in a statement, said: “It was a silly prank. They apologised and paid for any damage. The hotel accepted this and does not have a problem.”
Robson had taken his side away to recharge their batteries and put in some warm-weather training during a 15-day break from action ahead of the relegation clash against Middlesbrough on February 26.
The Baggies went away on a similar trip to Florida last season and it was cited as a key reason in staying up.
