By Matthew Jones
June 29 2005

Laurent Robert has been fined two weeks wages following his attack on manager Newcastle boss Graeme Souness. The player does not officially start his spell at Pompey until July 1st. A statement on Newcastle United's official website reads:

NEWCASTLE United today fined Laurent Robert two weeks' wages for a breach of club discipline.

It follows a newspaper article containing comments attributed to the Frenchman criticising Magpies manager Graeme Souness.

Both the player and Portsmouth, where Robert will play next season, will be notified of the decision.

Robert's spell with Pompey does not begin until July 1.

Robert had previously said:

"We would have won it (the UEFA Cup) if Souness had the intelligence to see what was going on.

"If he keeps going like he has, he'll get fired and he'll deserve it.

"He put kids in the team and left me on the bench to annoy me. He's just a child.

"He made a personal matter out of our disagreement and, by punishing me, he punished the whole team.

"I'm sure Alan Shearer told Souness he had to play me - but nothing happened.

"He will get nowhere screaming at players and slamming doors.

"Other members of the team aren't happy with him, though they don't have the courage to speak out. But I've never been afraid of anyone.

"We finished last season so badly that, towards the end, I just laughed at him.

"And I can see only a lot more pain for the players, the fans and the chairman while he remains manager."

To which Graeme Souness countered:

"I would like to wish Laurent Robert all the best at Portsmouth."