Mali striker Adama Niane has been sent home from the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations for allegedly hitting his captain in a row over haircuts.
Niane, 26, was part of the Eagles’ squad in Egypt that won their opening game against Mauritania.
But coach Mohamed Magassouba has given the Charleroi ace the chop after he reportedly slapped skipper Abdoulaye Diaby in a barber’s chair.
Niane is also said to have clashed with teammate and winger Moussa Djenepo.
A team source said: “Certain players ordered a hairdresser to come to the team hotel. Abdoulaye Diaby was the first to sit in the chair to have his hair cut.
“That was not to Adama Niane’s liking. He said some harsh words to his captain, asking how a ‘kid’ like him could dare to have his hair cut before Niane.
“At that point a fight broke out between the two strikers.”
Sporting Lisbon star Diaby, 28, is Niane’s senior by two years.
Mali team spokesman Ibrahim Zie Coulibaly said: “Adama Niane has been expelled from the Eagles squad for not respecting principles.
“He is on his way to Cairo so he can catch his flight home.”
Mali play Tunisia in their second game in Group E of the 2019 Afcon Friday afternoon. A win for the Eagles, already on three points, will see them book a ticket in advance to the last-16.
©The Sun
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