Moore suspended following non-arrival in Brisbane

Craig Moore has been suspended from the Socceroos squad for the match against Paraguay this coming weekend. Moore had not reported for training when the squad assembled in Brisbane on Wednesday.

Craig Moore has been suspended from the Socceroos squad for the match against Paraguay this coming weekend. Moore had not reported for training when the squad assembled in Brisbane yesterday. He was given the opportunity to explain his absence to FFA officials last night and has issued a statement (see below).

Socceroos Coach, Graham Arnold, said that despite the fact that the match against Paraguay is a friendly match, and that the occasion was being used to celebrate the efforts of the team in the World Cup in Germany, he and the players demanded a fully professional attitude from one another, and that failure to attend training without permission, and without a reasonable excuse, fell short of what was expected.

“This is particularly unfortunate for Craig who has served the Socceroos with such distinction in Germany and over the years, and who was very much looking forward to playing with the team in his home town in Brisbane this weekend. However, he has let the team and FFA down on this occasion. I have let him know that, and he accepts the decision made. It will not be the end of his international career by any means,” Arnold said.

Newcastle Jets defender, Jade North, has been added to the squad for the Paraguay match.

Statement by Craig Moore

Yesterday I missed my flight to Brisbane from Sydney to join the Socceroos in camp and to attend training, and some other commitments.

I apologise to my team mates, the coach, FFA and the fans, about missing training and about the media interest which this incident has caused. I am very disappointed not to be playing in Brisbane, as I am a local, and have been looking forward to playing in front of family and friends.

I am still deeply passionate about the national team and proud of what we achieved during the World Cup want to continue to be part of it.

However, in the circumstances, and in the best interests of the team, I have asked to be released from the squad for the Bahrain match, and will return today to Newcastle to prepare for our match against Bolton on the weekend.