The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) have defended Blackburn Rovers player Morten Gamst Pedersen following comments made by the club's global advisor Shebby Singh.
Singh launched a scathing attack on Pedersen, claiming that the midfielder has lost his legs and is of no use to the club.
Singh has since apologised for his comments, but the PFA are still unhappy with the treatment of the player.
"The PFA have been in discussions with the players at Blackburn Rovers in relation to the recent comments made by Shebby Singh. We share their considerable disappointment that anyone connected to Blackburn Rovers would make such disrespectful comments about a player like Morten Gamst Pedersen," read the statement.
"The feeling within the squad is that as a group of players they support each other but particularly someone like Morten, who is so respected within the club and indeed the game. Personal criticism of this nature is never acceptable and the players are shocked that someone from within their club has seen fit to make such comments.
"Whilst accepting that anyone can have an opinion on football, someone in such a position of responsibility should be more mindful of the comments he makes, particularly when you consider what a valuable member of the team Morten is and the great contribution he has made and continues to make to Blackburn Rovers and Norway. The PFA are very concerned about this situation and naturally we are fully supportive of Morten and the other players at Blackburn Rovers."
Singh, who was speaking at an open meeting with fans, also claimed that manager Steve Kean would be sacked if he lost three games in a row.
Barney Corkhill
