Felipe Melo punched teammate, says coach.
Brazilian midfielder Albert Riera clashed with the ball after a challenge in Thursday's training session; Riera denies any aggression.
247 – Midfielder Felipe Melo was involved in a fight with his teammate on Thursday afternoon, the 5th. The Brazilian clashed with Spanish midfielder Albert Riera after a challenge during Galatasaray's training session in Turkey. After the argument, coach Fatih Terim reportedly sent both players to the locker room, where the argument became more heated. According to the Turkish press, the Spaniard appeared at the Bahcelievler Medical Park hospital with his face covered in blood.
The club's director, Abdurrahim Albayra, stated that the coach will be the one to decide regarding the future of the two players. “The training session was cheerful, with aerial ball work and a peaceful atmosphere. However, a contested ball between the two led to an argument. Coach Fathi sent them to the locker room, but the argument continued there. Fathi will make a decision. It's too early to say anything now. Above all, discipline is important,” said Albayra. In a press conference this Friday morning, coach Fatih Terim stated that the two players will be fined and will miss the match against Manisaspor next Sunday in the Turkish Championship.
According to the coach, Felipe Melo punched Riera, causing a cut above his eyebrow. “I called this press conference to avoid any misinformation. They had an argument during training and I sent them to the locker room. The incident continued, something not very normal. Felipe Melo punched Riera, causing a cut above his eyebrow. Riera was taken to the hospital for treatment.” Through his press office, Felipe Melo confirmed the argument but denied the assault.
On loan until the end of the season from Juventus, Italy, Felipe Melo is the number 10 for the Turkish team, where he is a fan favorite. Due to this success, Galatasaray was negotiating a permanent transfer with the Italian club. Now, the dispute could change the plans of both the club and the coach. “We were talking with Juventus. But this club has its values and incidents like this cannot go unpunished. We will make a final decision by the last game of the championship,” stated Fatih Terim.