• Premier League

Aston Villa take action against Collins and Dunne

ESPNsoccernet staff
March 17, 2011
Richard Dunne and James Collins will still be picked by Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier © PA Photos
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Aston Villa have confirmed James Collins and Richard Dunne have been punished following a breach of club discipline.

Collins and Dunne criticised members of the club's coaching staff during a team break at a spa, and the pair have both expressed their remorse over the incident. This week, they were told to explain their actions before club disciplinary panels and manager Gerard Houllier has now confirmed Villa have "reacted strongly" to their behaviour.

While not confirming whether the pair would be fined two weeks' wages as suggested, Houllier said: "There was no fracas, but Dunne and Collins have been disciplined and this is all I can say on the matter. The club has reacted strongly and quickly, and now we move on to what is most important for us, the game against Wolverhampton at the weekend.

"It was dealt with quickly and strongly by the club but also internally, but I am not going into details. I am not going to talk specifically about what happened in this incident. That's it."

Collins and Dunne are currently sidelined with shoulder and calf injuries, but Houllier said they would be under consideration again when they recover their fitness.

"We all make mistakes," he said. "Sometimes you have to take into account the fact that you have to be aware of that and deal with that. Everyone has a chance to play for Aston Villa. I played Nathan Baker who is 19 and Robert Pires who is 37. When they are fit, they will be in contention."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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