Gerard Houllier reveals Aston Villa have 'reacted strongly' to punish James Collins & Richard Dunne for arguing with staff

Pair had dispute with coaches during team building session

 

 Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier has confirmed he has disciplined defensive pair James Collins and Richard Dunne over an incident at a health spa.

The French boss had taken his players on a team bonding exercise but Collins and Dunne allegedly rowed with coaching staff and Houllier told reporters on Thursday that the club have "reacted strongly".
The former Liverpool boss told reporters: "There was no fracas, but Dunne and Collins have been disciplined and this is all I can say on the matter.
"The club has reacted strongly and quickly, and now we move on to what is most important for us, the game against Wolverhampton at the weekend.
"It was dealt with quickly and strongly by the club but also internally, but I am not going into details.
"I am not going to talk specifically about what happened in this incident. That's it."
Both players have apologised for the spat via the media, with Dunne telling the News of the World: "I apologise unreservedly for my behaviour on Wednesday night. It was not acceptable and I am genuinely sorry."

Collins added: "We were wrong. This should not have happened and I apologise for the part I played."

Collins and Dunne are both sidelined with injuries at the moment, and Houllier confirmed that they will be considered when they return to fitness, and looked to sweep the incident under the carpet.

"We all make mistakes," he said. "Sometimes you have to take into account the fact that you have to be aware of that and deal with that. "Everyone has a chance to play for Aston Villa. I played Nathan Baker who is 19 and Robert Pires who is 37.
"When they are fit, they will be in contention."

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