Dutch FA bite back in van Bommel row

Dutch FA bite back in van Bommel row

Published Oct. 14, 2010 12:04 p.m. ET

The KNVB have denied any wrongdoing regarding Mark van Bommel's knee injury and accused Bayern Munich of treating them like "amateurs".

The Dutch Football Association and Bayern are engaged in a war of words after van Bommel played in Tuesday's Euro 2012 qualifying win over Sweden despite the German champions requesting beforehand he return to Munich to be assessed by club doctors.

It is the second time they have clashed over the treatment of a player, with Bayern outraged that star winger Arjen Robben returned from the World Cup with a hamstring injury which has prevented him from playing so far this season.

But the Dutch FA (KNVB) today hit back by insisting they were within their rights to field captain van Bommel against the Swedes.

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KNVB director Bert van Oostveen told Voetbal International Radio: "It seems like Bayern would like to blame the whole situation with Mark on us.

"They make out that we are a bunch of amateurs and that irritates me.

"Our medical staff is one of the best in the world."

Bayern are already demanding compensation over Robben and have now threatened legal action regarding the treatment of van Bommel while vowing to take the matter up with UEFA.

Van Oostveen was unmoved, however, adding: "I would say: 'be my guest'.

"Morally we have done nothing wrong and we are supported by the rules of FIFA and UEFA. It is for the clubs to insure the player."

Bayern released a press release last night in which they expressed their anger that Dutch coach, and van Bommel's father-in-law, Bert van Marwijk played the 33-year-old for 70 minutes in Holland's 4-1 victory.

A statement from the Bavarian giants, who said van Bommel needs "complete rest" for five days before five days' light training, said: "Mark van Bommel returned to Munich this Wednesday. He was examined by the club's doctor, Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt, who noticed the injuries.

"He will therefore be missing at least for the Bundesliga game against Hannover and the Champions League tie with Cluj.

"The club is going to make UEFA aware of this affair in the coming days and is keeping open the possibility of legal action against the KNVB."

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