MX23RW : Thursday, April 3 23:36:52| >> :120:5932:5932:

Brendan Rodgers hits out at James Maddison treatment in media

Maddison was taken ill ahead of England's Euro 2020 qualifier in the Czech Republic on Friday.

Brendan Rodgers has defended James Maddison after the Leicester midfielder was pictured in a casino following his withdrawal from the England squad last week.

Maddison was taken ill ahead of England's Euro 2020 qualifier in the Czech Republic on Friday and returned home.

The 22-year-old was then spotted on Friday evening in a casino while England were losing the match.

Maddison withdrew from the England squad through illness
Maddison withdrew from the England squad through illness (Nick Potts/PA)

Leicester boss Rodgers admits this was ill-advised but says some of the wider reporting around the incident, particularly with reference to Maddison's character, is not true.

Rodgers, speaking at a press conference broadcast on Sky Sports News, said: "It was a difficult period for him, there is no doubt, because obviously what was portrayed in an article in the press was wasn't quite how it was, which is not a big surprise.

"The kid went away with the international team, he took ill whilst he was away. He wanted to stay, and hopefully be ready for the second game, but the England medical staff – and you can understand it, he's got flu – they don't want it to spread his team-mates. They decide that it's best for him to to to leave the camp.

"So he leaves. He gets some tablets with our guys here at the club. He feels better. He watches the game at home on his own on the Friday.

"And he then goes out at half-time. Probably he'll make better decisions in his life, but he went to a casino on his own, to sit and watch the second half by a poker table.

I have seen various stories around his arrogance, around his mentality. They're totally false.

Brendan Rodgers

"Now the suggestions are he left England purposely and then goes to casino – it's totally not the case at all.

"But his eyes have been opened to the wider world now in terms of what he did. He knows in hindsight that he's made a mistake.

"But I want to reiterate, because this is a player I have seen (of) in the last few months various stories around his arrogance, around his mentality. They're totally false.

"I'm not sure where the stories are coming from, but it's not what this boy's about. He's a very talented player, he has a belief in his ability. He is a wonderful personality on the field and he's actually a really, really good boy off it."

Vardy has also been thrown into the public eye
Vardy has also been thrown into the public eye (Peter Byrne/PA)

Rodgers, whose side are fourth in the Premier League and host Burnley on Saturday, has also offered support to striker Jamie Vardy and his family. Vardy's wife, Rebekah, has been involved in a high-profile social media row with the wife of Wayne Rooney, Coleen, recently.

Rodgers said: "It's something that is personal and outside of our remit. All we ever offer is the support to all the players and the families.

"So, obviously I was aware of what went on last week and I actually gave Jamie an extra few days to get away with his family, to have a rest, and I'm sure that was a difficult week for them.

"But, the legacy, we're here to support him and his family when they need it. I spoke to Jamie earlier in the week, he's trained fine, he's been great this week and that is where we're at."

ID:375290: cacheID:375290:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:6699:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
James Maddison scores an equaliser for Leicester City on December 5, 2018
Read Next:
News Extra: Maddison tipped for Liverpool, 'No quick fix' for United, Everton 'consider Ten Hag'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool30227170274373
2Arsenal301710355253061
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest30176750351557
4Chelsea30157854371752
5Manchester CityMan City30156957401751
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle29155949391050
7Aston Villa3013984445-148
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton30121174845347
9Fulham3012994440445
10Bournemouth301281049381144
11Brentford30125135147441
12Crystal Palace29101093734340
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd30107133741-437
14Tottenham HotspurSpurs301041655441134
15Everton30713103237-534
16West Ham UnitedWest Ham3097143350-1734
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves3085174158-1729
18Ipswich TownIpswich3048183063-3320
19Leicester CityLeicester3045212567-4217
20Southampton3024242271-4910


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!