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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Jonathan Gorrie

Burnley not 'too pleased' about Millwall's comments of Michael Obafemi discipline issue, says Vincent Kompany

Burnley manager Vincent Kompany has expressed dissatisfaction with Millwall manager Neil Harris’ comments over striker Michael Obafemi.

The Republic of Ireland international joined the Championship side from the Clarets in January on a straight loan deal without an option or obligation to make it a permanent arrangement this summer.

Obafemi scored twice in 12 starts for the Lions as they avoided relegation to the third tier following the return of Harris.

Eight wins from 13 games ensured the club remained in the Championship, although Harris has stopped short of confirming he will stay at The Den for longer than the 15-month deal he signed in February.

After the win over Swansea on the final day, Harris confirmed that both Obafemi and Scotland international Kevin Nisbet had been excluded from his squad due to disciplinary reasons.

“All I’m going to say is I’m building a culture and an environment at the football club,” he said.

“The standards are set by Neil Harris and Millwall Football Club. These are standards that I expect players to adhere to. Players will only be involved at my football club, when I’m in charge, if they hit those standards. It’s all about culture and environment.

Michael Obafemi scored two goals in 12 starts on loan at Millwall (Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

“Michael has done brilliantly for us on loan and we’re really thankful for his efforts. He didn’t feature for us off the bench the other day he wasn’t going to feature today. I’d rather play our own players who have trained impeccably.

Harris added: “Michael was based around discipline but also around that we weren’t not going to look to sign him in the transfer window, so no need to include him.”

Of the comments, Clarets boss Kompany said: “As a club, I don't think we're too pleased with the fact there was a big statement about it. We always have a duty of care for the players we have but I don't want to get involved in other club's affairs."

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