Leeds piti loukkauksena Australian toimintaa. Vidukan poissaolon syy on jaloissa esiintyvää lihaskramppia. Krampit ja kireys lihaksistossa ovat syntyneet harjoittelun puutteesta. Viduka ei ole harjoitellut kunnolla kolmeen viikkoon, kun hän oli tapaamassa isäänsä Australiassa. Tulemme tekemään valituksen pelikiellosta...
Quote:Leeds Outraged After Australia Invoke Ban On Viduka
Manchester United - Leeds United
02/19/2004. Leeds United have spoken of their outrage at the Australian Soccer Association's decision to invoke a Fifa rule that has left Mark Viduka suspended for Saturday's match with Manchester United.
Australia took the decision after Viduka refused to travel for their friendly with Venezuela, although Leeds have claimed he was suffering with a hamstring strain.
A statement from the Yorkshire club read: "Leeds United Football Club are outraged with the Australian Soccer Association following their decision to invoke Article 40 of the Fifa Regulations for the Status and Transfer of Players and ban Mark Viduka from playing against Manchester United on Saturday after he did not report due to both personal and injury reasons as requested for Australia's international friendly in Venezuela last (Wednesday) night.
"This decision has shown a complete lack of understanding and compassion towards Mark, whose father Joe is still critically ill over in Australia and to Leeds United Football Club who, given Mark's personal circumstances, had no hesitation in granting him unlimited compassionate leave so that he could be at his father's bedside.
"Furthermore, having not trained for three weeks whilst in Australia, Mark complained upon returning to Leeds of pain in his lower back and tightness in his hamstrings.
"Leeds United Football Club and Mark Viduka have - following his selection for this game - been open and honest with ASA and - given his loyalty to both club and country - it is difficult to understand why such a hard stance has been taken, which does not appear consistent with that for those other players who, for whatever reasons, did not travel to Caracas.
"Leeds United Football Club are fighting a battle for survival both on and off the pitch, have just thirteen games to secure their place in The Premiership and, given the stance taken to date by ASA, they now face the prospect of taking on Manchester United at Old Trafford without the services of one of their key players.
"Leeds United Football Club is taking legal advice and will explore every available avenue in seeking to redress this potential injustice."