By Matthew Jones
June 29 2005

Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd bids good riddance to Laurent Robert, following the French winger's attack on Toon boss Graeme Souness in yesterday's press.

The winger claimed Souness would take the club down, and would soon get the sack if he carried on as he had done last season.

Souness shrugged off these comments by wishing the 30-year-old the best of luck at Portsmouth, but chairman Freddy Shepherd did not take the same approach:

"You should only say 'good' when somebody leaves.

"Laurent Robert has gone. Good"

A club statement 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.

Further to this, Robert was fined a further two weeks' wages today, following further criticisms:

Newcastle United have fined Laurent Robert a further two weeks' wages for another breach of club discipline. It follows fresh newspaper articles today in which the Frenchman, who will play for Portsmouth next season, was quoted making further criticisms of the club.

Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd told nufc.co.uk: "He was warned not to do it and he must suffer the consequences.

"We have also reported him to the Football Association and we are seeking guidance from them on any further action they may wish to take."

Robert had already been fined two weeks' wages by United for a newspaper article published yesterday before this additional punishment.

His stint with Portsmouth does not officially begin until Friday.