Thursday 26 November 2015 15:40, UK
Steve McClaren delivered a few "home truths" to his Newcastle players following a training ground bust up - with Fabricio Coloccini singled out for criticism.
It is understood McClaren, along with his coaching team, including Paul Simpson, Steve Black and Ian Cathro, were caught up in a stand-up row with several players on Monday as he accused them of lacking the determination needed to represent the club.
The catalyst for the row came after several senior players were moaning about a refereeing decision and it is understood this led to McClaren explaining a few "home truths" about what he sees as a lack of effort and determination by a number of those players.
One player in particular who came in for harsh criticism is understood to be Coloccini - McClaren's captain
The row stopped short of punches being thrown, but it is believed the argument continued from the training ground into the gym as some players took part in a strength and conditioning session.
McClaren, who takes his team to play Crystal Palace this weekend, feels he can no longer defend the efforts of some of his players and reminded them of what it meant to wear the black and white stripes and what it meant to play for the club.
It is thought he explained how most fans on the Gallowgate End at Newcastle's St James' Park will not earn in a lifetime what his players earn in a few months - and that being a footballer was as much about "bottle and will to win" as it was about skill.
