Joe Kinnear In N'Zogbia Name Row

9 months ago 30th Jan 11:14

Newcastle United midfielder has vowed never to play under manager Joe Kinnear again after he mispronounced his name in an interview calling him 'Insomnia'.

Kinnear has accused N'Zogbia of using the situation to engineer a move away from the Magpies. He told the BBC: "OK, I got a little tongue-tied, but if I had a pound for every time I've mispronounced a player's name down the years, then I'd be a very wealthy man indeed."

N'Zogbia's agent Franck Peslerbe insisted that the French player does not want to quit St James's and that it is Kinnear who wants him to leave, saying his comment meant that N'Zogbia is mad. He told BBC Sport: "I don't think any person would be happy with this situation.

"Joe Kinnear insulted Charles at a press conference so now the direction of Charles is not very simple. It is hard not to react when you boss calls you mad. He has said it is a mistake, but he has not made any mistake regarding other players names.

He added: "It is clear what he meant. If he meant it as a joke, it is a good joke for Kinnear but to Charles, it is not. I don't know if he will play for Newcastle again, he is refusing to play for Joe Kinnear.

The Press Association has reported that N'Zogbia released a statement saying: "First of all I wish to apologise to the fans for wanting to leave the club. However, having been insulted by Joe Kinnear, I will never play for him again while he remains Newcastle manager.

"The club are aware there are offers on the table and they should accept one of them."