Poll: Is death the only good excuse for not turning out for your country?

Trapattoni says unless they are “in hospital or dead”, players have no excuse for not turning up. Is he right? Or should he be more understanding of players’ other commitments?

GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI has hit out at the players who missed out on last night’s Carling Nations cup clash in Dublin against Northern Ireland, accusing them of a lack of respect.

The players who inspired his wrath include Wigan’s James McCarthy – who called yesterday after 10 days’ silence to say he had an ankle injury; Celtic striker Anthony Stokes – who said he was “too tired” to play; and Stoke city duo Marc Wilson and Jonathan Walters, who didn’t turn up either.

The 72-year-old said: “If they are in hospital or they are dead, that is okay, but if there is an injury they should see our doctor.”

Is he right? Or should he be more accommodating to players’ other commitments at this stage in the season?

Do you agree with the Ireland manager?

Poll Results:

Yes: aside from death or hospitalisation, there's no excuse (760)

No: players have other commitments (167)