Taylor says Magpies boss is 'at best disrespectful, at worst deeply offensive'
Published Date: 31 January 2009
Joe Kinnear's mispronunciation of Charles N'Zogbia's name is "at best disrespectful and at worst deeply offensive", according to Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor.
In a television interview earlier this week, Kinnear referred to the Frenchman as 'insomnia', sparking a row between the Newcastle manager and his player.
N'Zogbia released a statement saying he would not play for the Magpies again under Kinnear, but the former Wimbledon boss retaliated by saying the argument was a "desperate attempt to engineer a move away from Newcastle United".
Taylor has now waded into the clash between the Newcastle pair.
In a statement, the players' chief said: "Why should we not expect Charles N'Zogbia to be upset when his own manager cannot even remember his correct name in public but chooses to say 'insomnia'?
"Respect runs two ways.
"This is at best disrespectful and at worst deeply offensive, especially as insomnia is as difficult to pronounce as N'Zogbia. It's not good when people who should cannot remember your name.
"Ask Graham Taylor how he feels when he gets called Gordon Taylor. We are our name.
"The word (insomnia) gives the media a stick with which to beat the lad."
Gordon who?