The Danko Lazović "situation"

Further to Danko Lazović's rather foul outburst at this past weekends match against Ajax, the club has announced they have imposed a "hefty fine" on him. Upon returning from international duty for his native Serbia against Bulgaria, the embattled striker spoke with PSV General Manager Jan Reker and Hubb Stevens regarding the situation.

Always a professional, Hubb Stevens reiterated that he had spoke with the twenty-five year old ex-FK Partizan / Feyenoord man but would not divulge details of the discussion, only to note:

"It’s been a good conversation. I refuse to divulge any details."

Following a private-meeting with his teammates Danko Lazović spoke to the media:

"I spoke with the General Manager, my coach and the players. I also want to offer my apologies to the fans. I hope we will play a good game tomorrow and record a victory."

Unfortunately that isn't enough. Apologies do little to address the impact of what comments like this to the children who look up to their hero's. It pains me to see a young man like Danko, of such brilliant pedigree, forget this sacred vow but the sport must deal with situations like this with the firmest of hands and ensure that those on the pitch are men of honour who understand the impact they have on society. While I hope that Danko turns the tide and use this time as a catalyst to change his course, this is not the first time his career has been dotted with unrest and unfortunately he hasn't learned the real message of this sport. With this in-mind and given that PSV is a club with a tremendous community influence, it must uphold their commitment to the people that support the club and the Eredivisie and ensure he and all others learn this type of behaviour is not acceptable. Given that Danko has been visibly upset with his playing time and reacted in such a dishonourable manner, the course is simple, move him out of the club and let him look back on what is was like to where the PSV crest. Maybe then he'll understand the blessing that this sport offers.