Newcastle United are yet to punish Alexander Isak for going AWOL in recent weeks.
Eddie Howe has stayed coy on whether Newcastle United will fine Alexander Isak for his recent off-field conduct.
As it stands, the Magpies are yet to punish the Swede for going on strike this summer. Isak has not kicked a ball for Newcastle since the final day of last season after signalling his intention to leave.
He continues to train alone at the club’s Benton base once his Toon teammates have gone home. Reality kicked in at the weekend when Isak stayed at home as Newcastle drew 0-0 at Aston Villa on the opening day of the campaign.
Will Newcastle United fine Alexander Isak?
The Daily Mail reported last week that Isak will be fined should he miss the Villa Park trip. Common practice in professional football sets a maximum punishment at two weeks wages.
If Newcastle dish out the harshest punishment on Isak, this would result in a staggering £240,000 fine. The irony of the Swede wanting more money and ending up with less will not be lost on some inside St James' Park.
Speaking to reporters, Howe distanced himself from the talk of fines, with other officials at the club set to make a decision. He said: “Other people are dealing with that issue. I’m concentrating on the team and our next game.”
Alan Shearer slams Alexander Isak
Responding to Wayne Rooney on Match of the Day, Newcastle legend Shearer hit out at Isak for his recent conduct. He said: “You put in a transfer request. You didn't refuse to train, you didn't refuse to play, so there is a way to do it and Alex is not going about it the right way at all.
“You have to feel sorry for the players and the manager. The players today are busting a gut for the football club, for the thousands of fans who have travelled all that way to Villa Park.
“They're giving their all. Yet they're looking at another player, wherever he is, refusing to play despite having a three-year contract and being on over £100,000-a-week. (The fans) are paying £60 or £70 for a ticket, £30 for petrol or a train ticket."You can imagine the anger that they're feeling that someone is taking the liberty of saying, 'I'm refusing to play'. You just can't do that when you've got a three-year contract. I also understand there's two sides to every story and we've never heard anything from him or his side yet, it's all leaks or reports.
“There is still a chance, albeit a small chance, that he could be integrated back into the team if he says sorry. It's unlikely that that's the case, but if it gets past the transfer deadline day and there's still an impasse and no one's budging and he's still at Newcastle, I can't see a way back then.
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Eddie Howe on Alexander Isak saga
Howe was grilled further on the Isak saga at the weekend. He told reporters: "Nothing's changed. The door is well and truly open but he has to decide what he wants to do."We would like a resolution. The ownership, everyone, the players we have, want that clarity. You don't need any distractions. I'm not in control of that. There's only one person in control of that."
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