As Australia prepares for its doubleheader of matches, a friendly against Paraguay and an Asian Cup qualifier against Bahrain, Craig Moore has become a controversial figure.

Moore missed a flight on Wednesday after making the mistake of combining sleeping pills with a few beers, and as a result, he missed training yesterday and failed to make several arranged public appearances. The Football Federation of Australia decided to act against the Newcastle United defender by suspending him for the Paraguay match, and Moore took it upon himself to exclude himself from the match against Bahrain.

Players not showing up to training with the national team is nothing new for Australia, but the new regime is looking to stamp its authority over players who used to play the odd match that mattered.  Needless to say, but it has not gone down well with some members of the squad.

Zeliko Kalac thought the punishment was a bit excessive, FFA head John O’Neill disagrees and Moore is left wondering if he will ever play for Australian again.

Banned Moore Wants to Play On [The Australian]