Zaki latest in lines of shamed ‘pros’

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Wigan Athletic manager Steve Bruce has described the absence of Egyptian striker Amir Zaki for Sunday’s 4-0 defeat by Everton as “unbelievable”.

The on-loan forward failed to return to the JJB Stadium after scoring for his country in their 1-1 draw with Zambia last Sunday. His international team-mate Mido, who also played in the game, suffered no similar problems and reported back to Wigan on time.

Bruce said: "We have not heard from him at all, although we spoke to his agent at length on Monday and Tuesday.

"We believe he has a hamstring injury but how bad, we don't know. The lack of respect shown is incredible, not just to the club but also his team-mates."

Incredibly, it is the third time that Zaki – who is only on loan at the JJB Stadium and therefore looking to win a permanent deal – has returned late from international duty. It is a shocking lack of professionalism and one which has irked Bruce to the extent he has reached the end of his tether with the forward, despite an impressive first season in the Premiership which saw him net 9 times in his first 13 starts.

Sadly, Zaki’s actions are not unfamiliar in the modern game, where professionalism and a hunger to play football have been replaced by egotistical and money driven players with little regard for the people who pay their wages.

Zaki’s tale is not unfamiliar for managers with South American or African born stars, many of whom do not report back on time after international duty.

Worse still, Scotland pair Barry Ferguson and Alan McGregor were this week banned from ever playing for their country again after being identified as the ringleaders of an all-night drinking session just three days before Scotland’s vital 2010 World Cup http://www.worldcup2010southafrica.org.uk qualifier with Iceland.

The pair then responded to being dropped by sitting on the bench flicking the V sign to the cameras. Whether this was meant for the fans, SFA, manager or press is not clear, but regardless it was a shocking act of unprofessionalism from two high earning players.

It is a sad indictment of the modern game that stories of blatant disregard for their clubs, managers and supporters are being shown by over-paid players.

Bruce has fined the 26-year-old a number of times and said earlier in the week he would do so again this time.

The Latics boss added: "I find it quite ridiculous that a club who pay his wages, and pay him handsomely, are treated like this. It is quite unbelievable that a professional footballer can behave this way."

By Danny Watson, a professional sports writer who blogs about football news http://www.footballnewsblog.co.uk.