“Very serious” – Martin Braithwaite faces Espanyol punishment after going AWOL
Espanyol has commenced disciplinary proceedings against Martin Braithwaite after the forward left their preseason training camp without permission.
The 32-year-old Danish international joined from rivals Barcelona in September 2022 on a free transfer subsequently penning a three-year contract.
However, the former Middlesbrough striker was unable to help Espanyol stay up with the Parakeets suffering relegation from Spain’s top division, in preparation for next season Braithwaite joined up with his teammates last Monday, but a week later he’s gone AWOL from their camp in Marbella.
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Braithwaite is reportedly not keen to play in the Segunda División and wants a move although there’s rumours he’s also considering retirement. The powers that be are prepared to move Braithwaite on but sporting director Fran Garagarza isn’t tolerating his behaviour and stressed that Braithwaite will be facing sanctions.
“I had talked to him and he told me that he didn’t want to be here and wanted to find a way out. But the situation is very clear: the player has a contract with Espanyol and Espanyol counts on him because he’s a very important player for us. From there, there’s not much more to talk about. He doesn’t want to be here and we can’t do anything there. I can’t tie him up, but obviously what has happened is very serious and there is great disappointment,” he told Mundo Deportivo.
“Espanyol is far above all this, they have an asset called Martin and he has failed in etiquette and in everything. Let’s hope he returns, because if not, we’ll have to start talking about applying the disciplinary regime, and that’s already underway. Our members are being disrespected and we’re not going to allow that. Not from Martin nor anyone else. Anything that is not aligned with the club’s values is a big mistake. It’s a serious lack of respect.”
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Mundo Deportivo would then reveal Braithwaite was spotted in Castelldelfells, where he lives, having a meal with his family much to supporters bemusement.
“His approach is that he does not want to play in Second Division and we want him to play because he has a contract. For now there is no possible avenue for negotiation. The problem does not lie with the club, because the club has the player and he has a contract. If he comes with an offer, it will be studied and the club will respond. If it arrives, it will be analysed, but it has not arrived,” Garagarza added.
