Rami suspended without pay

Valencia defender Adil Rami has been suspended for one week without pay as punishment for his public criticism of coach Miroslav Djukic and his team-mates.

The 27-year-old Frenchman was temporarily suspended from the Valencia squad last week and disciplinary proceedings were opened against him following comments he made in a radio interview.

After seeking legal advice, Rami on Friday morning held a meeting with Valencia officials in which he "expressed regret" for the statements, and the Primera Division club have subsequently confirmed his punishment.

A statement published on valenciacf.com read: "Valencia Football Club and Adil Rami, along with their lawyers, have held a meeting this morning in relation to disciplinary proceedings opened by the club against the player last week.

"After listening to the player, who has expressed regret for the statements made against the coach and his team-mates, the club have taken the mitigating factors into account and have decided to punish the player with a week of suspension without pay, in accordance with internal regulations.

"Regardless of the punishment, Valencia CF and Adil Rami have agreed to work together to find a satisfactory solution for both parties."

Rami's last appearance for Valencia saw him dismissed in a 3-0 Europa League defeat by Swansea and, after he subsequently claimed on Spanish radio station Cadena Ser that "there was only confusion" in the Valencia dressing room, he has missed four games.

While the Corsican could still resolve his dispute with the club and return to action, he is instead expected to leave in the January transfer window with Arsenal, Napoli and Inter Milan reported to be interested in his services.