Grealish returns for Everton after disciplinary breach and apology

Summarised from 5 outlets · Updated 13 Nov, 10:14 · Archive

Jack Grealish has apologised to Everton fans after missing four matches for breaching club discipline, returning in a friendly against Derby.

Jack Grealish has apologised to Everton fans after breaching club discipline resulted in him missing four matches. The 31-year-old on-loan Manchester City midfielder featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Derby County on Thursday, marking his first appearance in an Everton shirt since 2 October.

Grealish was dropped following what the club described as a breach of club discipline. He initially cited illness for missing Everton's trip to Arsenal, but after the club confirmed the breach, manager David Moyes left him out of the squad for matches against Newcastle United in the Premier League and Carabao Cup, and the 3-1 win over Coventry City before the international break.

In the friendly at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton's scratch XI defeated Derby 4-1, with Charly Alcaraz scoring twice and Jonathan Nsangou and Christian Norgaard adding the others. The match also provided match minutes for other squad players including Tyler Dibling, Hayden Hackney, Merlin Rohl, Michael Keane, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and goalkeeper Tom King.

Grealish posted a public apology on Instagram after the friendly. 'Nice to be back out there with the boys today after a few good days training,' he wrote. 'I want to apologise to the fans and everyone at the club for not being able to help the team the last few weeks. I love playing for this club and can't wait to be back playing in front of you guys in an Everton shirt. See you all soon.'

Manager David Moyes has been reluctant to discuss details of the situation. When asked if the international break would provide an opportunity to resolve the issue, he said: 'We just need to wait and see how things go.' He has since suggested the door remains open for Grealish's reintegration, saying: 'He's unavailable at the moment and we will make a decision with the club when we think that availability comes back.'

Grealish is on his second loan spell at Everton this season after the club secured a temporary deal on transfer deadline day. He scored twice in 22 games during his first loan spell last season, which was cut short by injury. He had made six appearances before falling out of favour this season and has yet to provide a goal contribution.

Everton have won three of their last four matches in Grealish's absence to move up to sixth in the Premier League table and earn a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. The club is due to return to action on 23 November when they travel to Brentford.

How it is being reported

• Pochettino to take over at Manchester United; Grealish apologises to Everton fans: football – liveUSMNT head coach is due to speak later on Friday Today’s fixtures | Follow us on TikTok | Mail David Jack Grealish has issued a public apology to Everton fans after he made his comeback in a behind-closed-doors match with Derby. Grealish has missed four matches and not played for the Toffees since 17 October following a breach of club discipline. Boss David Moyes has been reluctant to discuss any finer details and the club only confirmed the 31-year-old former England winger was “not match-fit” ahead of a trip to Newcastle on 2 November but Grealish featured in a friendly at Hill Dickinson…Guardian Sport · 13 Nov, 09:00
• Jack Grealish issues public apology to Everton fans after disciplinary breachJack Grealish missed Everton’s final four games before the international breakIndependent Sport · 12 Nov, 22:49
• Grealish apologises for absence after breach of disciplineJack Grealish issues an apology to Everton fans for his recent absence due to a disciplinary issue.BBC News · 12 Nov, 22:10
• Jack Grealish issues public statement after Everton decision and disciplinary breachJack Grealish was dropped from the Everton squad in the Toffees' last Premier League match in a decision which was supported by David MoyesMirror Sport · 12 Nov, 21:44
• Jack's back! Grealish makes return for Everton after missing two matches for skipping training without permission in 'breach of club discipline'Jack Grealish made his first Everton appearance since being suspended for missing training as he helped a scratch XI beat Derby 4-1 in a behind closed doors friendly at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.Daily Mail Sport · 12 Nov, 21:23

In this story: Jack Grealish · David Moyes · Everton · Derby County · Manchester City · Newcastle United · Coventry City · Arsenal

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