THREE WALES PLAYERS DROPPED FOR RULES BREACH:
HAL Robson-Kanu, Rabbi Matondo and Tyler Roberts have been sent home for breaching Football Association of Wales protocol and will miss tonight’s World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic.
The trio have been released from camp, with Leeds striker Roberts apologising on social media – in a post which has since been deleted – for staying up too late and breaking a curfew at the team hotel.
An FAW statement said: “Three members of the Cymru senior national squad – Hal RobsonKanu, Rabbi Matondo and Tyler Roberts – have been released from the Welsh camp today after breaching FAW protocol.
“The three players will be returning to their respective clubs this afternoon.
“The FAW will not be making any further comment.”
Roberts and on-loan Stoke winger Matondo, 20, both started Saturday’s 1-0 friendly victory over Mexico in Cardiff, while West Brom striker Robson-Kanu, 31, came on at half-time.
The three players were all hoping to be involved against the Czechs as Wales seek to put their first 2022 World Cup qualifying points on the board after losing their opening game in Belgium last week.
Roberts said, in the nowdeleted post: “Gutted to be leaving the camp early, but rules are rules and I shouldn’t have been up later in the hotel than the set time. Sorry to the team, staff and Wales fans. I will continue to work as hard as I can to earn my place in the squad for the euros.”
The three players being sent home is the latest blow for a Wales squad, who have been without manager Ryan Giggs for the last two international camps.
Giggs was arrested on suspicion of assault on November 1. He denies the allegations and has had his bail extended until May 1.
Robert Page has taken control in Giggs’ absence, winning three, drawing one and losing one of his five games in caretaker charge.
Welsh football has been in further disarray behind the scenes with chief executive Jonathan Ford leaving after a vote of no confidence from the FAW council.
WALES are back in 2022 World Cup qualifying action tonight as they take on Czech Republic.
Here’s everything you need to know about the match in Cardiff...
What time is Wales v Czech Republic kick-off?
The kicks off at 7.45pm.
The game at Cardiff City Stadium is being staged behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Is it on TV?
Yes, the game will be shown live on Sky Sports. Coverage on their Main Event channel begins at 7:30pm.
It will also be screened live on S4C from 7.25pm.
What about live streaming?
Sky Sports customers can live stream the match via the Sky Go app. S4C coverage can be streamed via BBC iPlayer.
You can also follow updates from the game on our live blog which will be on WalesOnline’s football page from around 5pm.
What is the latest team news?
Defender James Lawrence has been cleared to link up with Wales, meaning he is available to feature.
However, the hosts will be without Joe Allen who suffered a muscle injury in the opening stages of the 3-1 loss to Belgium last week.
Ben Davies, Aaron Ramsey and Tom Lockyer have all withdrawn from the squad.
Kieffer Moore is being assessed, although he is available to feature in what is Wales’ second qualifier of the year. The Red Dragons have no other injury concerns following their clashes with Belgium and Mexico.
What has the manager said?
Rob Page said on Czech Republic: “I’m very impressed. We’ve watched some footage from the game against Belgium the other night and how they go about their game.
“They press at high intensity, they’ve got quality in their team, they’ve got goals in their team, [Tomas] Soucek in particular.
“It’s going to be a tough game for us, and it should make for an entertaining game.”
What are the latest betting odds?
Wales win – 15/8 Draw – 11/5
Czech Republic win – 6/4 (Odds courtesy of The Pools, correct at time of publishing)
Who is the referee?
Ovidiu Hategan will take charge of proceedings in the Welsh capital.
He will be assisted by Radu Ghinguleac and Sebastian Gheorghe. Radu Petrescu is the fourth official.