Manchester
City have confirmed that they will not be sacking
defender Richard Dunne following his latest breach
of discipline.
The
22-year-old Republic of Ireland international was
sent home by the club at the weekend after what was
termed a "serious breach of club discipline".
Dunne had been in trouble with City boss Kevin Keegan
on a couple of occasions last season, and it had been
speculated that his latest misdemeanour could see
him being shown the door by the club.
However, following a meeting on Wednesday morning
involving Keegan, directors Dennis Tueart and John
Wardle, and PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor, it
was decided that Dunne's contract with the club would
not be terminated.
With City having already suspended the defender for
two weeks, as well as imposing a maximum fine of two
weeks wages, it was revealed in a club statement that
Dunne will now carry out a specialist training programme
and that the PFA will work together with the club
to assist Dunne during this training period.
The statement read: "Richard Dunne has accepted
the seriousness of his situation having had similar
disciplinary problems in the past.
"The PFA will now work together with Manchester
City Football Club to assist Richard Dunne during
this training period and to help him work towards
achieving the goals he has set himself."
Dunne joined City in a £3m switch from Everton
in October 2000.
