Uriarte faces second major fire as Athletic players boycott media | OneFootball

Athletic’s players refused post-match media duties after a 2-0 defeat at Camp Nou, intensifying tension around president Uriarte and inviting LaLiga sanction.

Before head coach Edin Terzic faced the press, a club communications official said the boycott was a players’ decision about an internal issue. The stance breaches LaLiga’s broadcast obligations, so a fine is expected and income could fall because cooperation is rewarded.

Both sides plan talks in the coming days, but positions remain far apart. No one has detailed the trigger, though it follows the board scrapping San Mamés invitations for staff, including first-team members, previously six per game, four free and two paid.

Invitations for former presidents and ex-players have also gone, and directors have relinquished theirs. Former president Macua said the club must be in a bad way to remove that sole courtesy.

“I do not agree. The whole veterans’ group is upset as well. You have to accept decisions, but I do not like this one, even less so without speaking to us or explaining it,” said legendary striker Dani Ruiz-Bazán. He told Radio Bilbao.

“There is general discontent among all the veterans. What they have done had never happened with any president.” He added, “Athletic’s history should be respected, do not change things that make no sense.”

It is another flashpoint in Ibaigane. Uriarte has clashed with sections of the Grada de Animación after sanctions and bans, prompting protests, silence and chants, and he reported intimidation and threats.

Source: as.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”