Dimitri Payet has become the latest player to be branded a traitor as the Frenchman refuses to play for West Ham until they let him leave.
An emotional Slavan Billic, who previously had a close relationship with the player declared that ‘Payet does not want to play for us.’ However, the club are adamant they will not sell the star they bought for 10.7 million pounds in last season’s transfer window from French side Marseille. The West Ham squad and manager expressed their anger by Payet’s decision as Billic revealed ‘I feel let down. I feel angry.’ The anger and disappointment of the fans and playrers is understandable as their superstar has betrayed them in difficult times. The club will not allow Payet to play or train with the first team until her apologises to the club and supporters.
The Hammer’s had a remarkable season last year, finishing seventh above Liverpool and Chelsea however the East London side have had a major slip in form this season. The side have struggled in most their games especially at their new home- The London Stadium resulting in low morale amongst the hammers’ faithful. Perhaps Payet believes he is too good for the club? The Euro 2016 star has created the most chances in the league so it could be argued that the poor form of the team is shadowing Payet’s individual performances. How could we forget that wonder solo goal against Middlesbrough?
Dimitri Payet, like the other premier league players who have refused to play such as Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov has received heaps of criticism from fans from a spectrum of clubs. Former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher said ‘He could have preserved his legacy and ended up being revered like Paolo Di Canio. Instead, his stance has turned the whole thing sour.’
Despite, the absence of the irons’ star player, West Ham won 3-0 against Crystal Palace in fine fashion with Andy Carroll scoring an outstanding overhead kick which is without a doubt a contender for goal of the season. Maybe West Ham don’t need Payet after all.
Chairman David Sullivan rejected a second bid from Payet’s former club Marseille stating the club has no financial need to sell the player. It is speculated that Payet wants to move back to France as his wife and kids do not enjoy living in London. However, the hammer’s playmaker has been linked with many premier league clubs.
It is safe say that Payet will never be seen in the same way by all football fans and the question that looms is whether Dimitri Payet will leave during this January transfer window or continue to strike for the remainder of the season?
Tom Stitson
St Mark’s Catholic School
