MusaEverton confirmed that Jack Grealish was unavailable for their Carabao Cup encounter against Newcastle United because of a breach of club discipline, with David Moyes refusing to disclose further details surrounding the winger’s absence.
The Everton manager made it clear that the decision had been taken at club level and insisted that he fully supported the action, directing anyone seeking further clarification to the club’s hierarchy.
Speaking after Everton’s impressive 3-1 victory over Newcastle, Moyes was questioned about the circumstances surrounding Grealish’s omission from the matchday squad.
However, the Scottish manager remained firm in his response, making it clear that he was not prepared to discuss the disciplinary matter publicly.
“You probably know I’m not going to give any details and it’s a club decision,” Moyes said.
“I support the decision, but it’s a club decision.
“It’s not something I want to speak too much about. I think the club are who you should go to if you want more on it.”
While Grealish’s absence attracted considerable attention, Everton produced an impressive performance to secure their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
Goals from James Garner, Hayden Hackney and Thierno Barry ensured the Toffees overcame Newcastle, setting up a last-eight meeting with League Two outfit Fleetwood Town.
Moyes admitted that reaching the quarter-finals was an encouraging development for his side, although he warned his players against underestimating their upcoming opponents.
“I think the minute you hear quarter-finals, you think this is sounding quite nice and quite good,” he said.
“Fleetwood beat one of the biggest, if not the biggest team, so we have to respect that when it comes to that game.
“But overall, the job to beat Newcastle tonight was a big task and we did well.”
The Everton boss was also particularly pleased with how his players responded to the situation surrounding Grealish, praising the collective mentality and standards maintained within the dressing room.
Despite the distraction caused by the winger’s disciplinary issue, Moyes insisted that his squad demonstrated the values he expects from everyone representing the club, both during matches and away from the pitch.
“Everton has real good values,” he said.
“All the players stand up to those values, what we want from them on the pitch and off the pitch, and from that point of view I think the players did a brilliant job tonight.”
Moyes’ comments underline his determination to maintain high standards at Everton, with the manager making it clear that no individual is bigger than the club.
Although he declined to elaborate on Grealish’s situation, his public backing of the disciplinary decision suggests that the club’s expectations regarding professionalism and responsibility remain firmly in place.
Musa
