AVRAM GRANT will hit Tal Ben Haim with an
£80,000 fine for his amazing outburst in SunSport. As open warfare
broke out at Chelsea yesterday, furious Blues chief Grant also
accused his fellow Israeli of lying over claims ex-boss Jose
Mourinho promised the defender a regular first-team role at
Stamford Bridge.
Grant said: “It is internal business but, in my
opinion, if a player was wrong we need to deal with it — in our
way, my way.” Centre-back Ben Haim, 26, took aim at Grant after the
1-1 home draw with Wigan on Monday night virtually ended Chelsea’s
hopes of lifting the Premier League title.
He insisted he would never have moved from Bolton last
summer if he had known Grant would replace the ‘Special One’
Mourinho. Ben Haim was fined two weeks’ wages for his outburst. As
for his claim he would have been a first pick under Mourinho, Grant
said: “I don’t think Jose promised Ben Haim he will play before
John Terry, Carvalho and Alex.”
The explosive row is the last thing Grant needs ahead
of the club’s must-win match at Everton tonight. Midfield star
Frank Lampard is likely to be missing again due to his mum Pat’s
illness. Grant said: “Football is very important but sometimes
other things are more important. I understand it.”
