Carlos Tevez's Argentina Absence Is Punishment For Missing Brazil Game

Argentine FA chief Julio Grondona assured that Carlos Tevez missed out on today's Portugal clash as punishment for skipping the Brazil game.
Argentine FA president Julio Grondona has moved to explain the omission of Carlos Tevez from the latest squad, saying that the Manchester City striker is being punished for opting out of last year's clasico against Brazil.

There has been strong speculation in the Argentine press as to why 'Carlitos' was left out of the Albiceleste, who face off against Portugal later today. Coach Sergio Batista has kept quiet on the subject and insisted it was a question of trying out new players and tactics. However, outspoken Grondona gave his own views on the controversial choice.

"I think that Tevez's absence is because of his attitude when he didn't come to play [against Brazil] and shortly after he took the field for his club," 'Don Julio' speculated to Radio Pop on Tuesday evening. The player had dropped out of the November squad claiming to be carrying an injury, only to play four days later for Manchester City, scoring two goals against Fulham.

"That attitude didn't go down well with the coaching staff, it was a lot easier to tell us that he didn't want to come."

Grondona responded to rumours that Tevez had been sidelined because of his close relationship with Diego Maradona, and his support for the ex-coach when he was dismissed by the FA. Batista however has publicly denied that version of events.

"Tevez's absence has nothing to do with Maradona, we cannot go down that road. I want to leave that crystal clear", 'Checho' had insisted at the time of announcing the squad.