Claims ex-Gunner walked out at halftime not true | OneFootball

Reports in the media that former Gunner Nuno Tavares left the Stadio Olimpico at half time during Lazio’s defeat to Roma have been dismissed by the club.

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After being substituted at the interval for a defensive error, it was claimed in some outlets that the former Arsenal full-back walked out of the stadium and would face disciplinary action.

Lazio sporting director Angelo Fabiani moved swiftly to quash those stories. “He did not exit the stadium… there will be no penalty for a tactical error that anyone could make during a match,” he said.

Fabiani confirmed that while Tavares was visibly upset by both his mistake and his early withdrawal, no fine or punishment would follow.

Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images

Tavares has since apologised to his team-mates for his reaction as well as the on-pitch error, with the club emphasising that the issue was not disciplinary in nature.

The Portugal defender’s career has repeatedly been overshadowed by questions about his temperament. At Arsenal, his defensive lapses and inconsistent concentration limited his opportunities under Mikel Arteta.

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A loan spell at Marseille began with promise but ended in conflict with manager Igor Tudor, including being kicked out of training.

His time at Nottingham Forest was also brief and troubled, with reports of being isolated from the squad after losing his place.

Now at Lazio, Tavares has again found himself in the spotlight. Alongside this latest derby incident, he has reportedly previously frustrated staff by skipping a scheduled medical before reporting for international duty.

Tavares has nine assists in his 34 games for Lazio, eight of which came in his first eight games. They paid Arsenal €5m in the summer and immediately tried to sell him on for €40m, which would have netted Arsenal over €10m extra.