Cameroon coach blasts ‘disgusting’ players

Cameroon coach Volker Finke blasted his “disgusting” players’ behaviour after one was red-carded and another headbutted a teammate in their 4-0 World Cup defeat to Croatia.

The loss, which condemned the Indomitable Lions to a first round exit, saw Alexandre Song sent off in the first half for punching Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic, the scorer of two goals.

Matters worsened when full-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto aimed a headbutt at teammate Benjamin Moukandjo in the dying moments following a furious row.

“It’s disgusting and I don’t like it,” said the German coach.

“We will need to talk to certain players. The behaviour of some of them was not at all satisfying. It’s unacceptable to see that kind of thing.”

Cameroon, who made the World Cup quarter-finals in 1990 but have not got out of the group stages since, were also beaten 1-0 by Mexico in their opening Group A game in Brazil.

The team were involved in a dispute over bonuses before the tournament. They refused to get on the plane to Brazil until guarantees were made.

Cameroon will have nothing but pride to play for when they end their campaign against the hosts in Brasilia on Monday.

“I am really disappointed by the result. The players conducted themselves badly and that is why they conceded four goals. I know it’s difficult to play 10 against 11 but that’s no excuse to lose control,” added Finke.

The 66-year-old coach, who only took over in 2013 having spent most of his career in his native Germany, said he will not be resigning but admitted the decision may be made for him.

“It’s not a question for me. We have to wait a little and analyse what went on before we make any decisions.

“This team had failed to qualify for two successive Africa Cup of Nations tournaments but then found a way to reach the World Cup. But after this result, we have to say it’s a shame.

“I don’t want to launch into great explanations, we have to keep calm.”