A-League side say claims that coach 'punched' a player during training were 'exaggerated'

Perth Glory has claimed that a training ground incident involving coach Ruben Zadkovich and one of his players was ‘exaggerated’.

NCA Newswire reports, via Fox Sports, that an altercation between the coach and 22-year-old player Giordano Colli was being inquired about by the Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) and Perth Glory.

Claims were made on Thursday (February 23) that the coach punched the player during a five-a-side training game in which Zadkovich was involved.

A PFA spokesman told NCA Newswire: “The PFA has received reports of an alleged incident and is making inquiries.”

The club involved in the altercation had not been publicly named, however, Perth Glory decided to release a statement on Friday morning (February 24) to address the matter.

The statement read: “The club has been made aware of reports regarding an alleged altercation between a member of its coaching staff and a player at an A-League Men’s training session earlier this week.

“Perth Glory can confirm that no complaint was made internally and that neither Australian Professional Leagues, Professional Footballers Australia, or the club will be taking the matter any further.”

The PFA confirmed to SPORTbible that they were referring to the Perth team on the matter and investigation.

NCA reports that several text messages from players confirmed that an incident did indeed take place.

A joint statement from Zadkovich and Colli was expected to be made but has not yet come to fruition.

Glory CEO Anthony Radich claimed that the reports on the altercation were ‘exaggerated’.

Club Statement...https://t.co/iHERP9065s@aleaguemen #ONEGlory pic.twitter.com/qI64AWHxr6

— Perth Glory FC (@PerthGloryFC) February 23, 2023

Mr Radich said: “The club regards the safety and wellbeing of its players and staff as its highest priority.

“Accordingly, I have spoken to the coach and the player allegedly involved and also consulted with both APL and PFA.

“Based on these discussions, I have concluded that the alleged incident has been exaggerated and am satisfied that no further action is required.”

Meanwhile, A-League boss Danny Townsend refused to go into the matter any further.

He said: “As far as we’re concerned, the matter is closed.”

Zadkovich is scheduled for a press conference on Friday (February 24).

Perth is set to take on Brisbane Roar at Kayo Stadium on Sunday.