Kiwi defender Ryan Nelsen came to blows with Blackburn Rovers teammate El-Hadji Diouf, a British newspaper has reported. Photo / Brett Phibbs
New Zealand defender Ryan Nelsen was involved in a dressing-room fight with a Blackburn Rovers teammate, according to a British newspaper.
Blackburn captain Nelsen and striker El-Hadji Diouf came to blows after last week's 0-3 loss away to Everton at Goodison Park, reported the News of the World.
Nelsen
had accused Diouf of being "not interested" and "lazy", the newspaper said, and the pair traded verbal insults before Diouf threw himself at the Christchurch veteran.
A source said: "Ryan was absolutely furious with Diouf and accused him of being selfish and not working for the team. Diouf reacted by throwing himself at him and was throwing punches like a windmill.
"Ryan acted to defend himself, but the rest of the players jumped in to separate them. It turned really nasty for a moment."
Senegal international Diouf also faces being disciplined for a separate incident during the Everton game. Officials have demanded an apology from the 28-year-old after he claimed Everton fans showered him with bananas. Staff swept the stadium for bananas after the game but found none.
The Blackburn striker has not apologised and police are investigating his behaviour during the game. Diouf allegedly used racist language in a row with a ball boy.
- NZPA
