Jack Grealish was a surprise omission from Everton's Carabao Cup squad against Newcastle United on Thursday, with the club confirming the 31-year-old had been dropped for disciplinary reasons. Reports have since claimed the Manchester City loanee spent two consecutive days drinking with friends in London and Cheshire just days before the decision.
In a statement published on social media ahead of the match, Everton said: "Jarrad Branthwaite remains sidelined for a second successive game due to concussion protocols, while Jack Grealish is unavailable for selection due to a breach of Club discipline."
Two Late Nights Out Reported
Everton have not publicly revealed the nature of Grealish's disciplinary breach, but reports have emerged suggesting his omission followed two late nights out partying earlier in the week. According to The Sun, Grealish spent Monday, October 19, drinking in London, where he reportedly remained at a karaoke bar until late into the evening.
The England international is then said to have returned to the North West before meeting friends for another late drinking session on Tuesday, October 20. Reports claim the group visited several establishments, including The Mucky Pup pub and a ten-pin bowling alley in the Altrincham area of Cheshire.
Details of the Reported Bender
The bowling venue is understood to be located near the £6million property Grealish shares with his partner, Sasha Attwood. Grealish's agents refused to comment on the claims.
Grealish attended the Pride of Britain Awards at London's Grosvenor House hotel on Monday before moving on to BAM Karaoke Box in London's Victoria. An insider told the newspaper: "Jack was in great spirits after the awards and went out into London with a couple of mates. He got to BAM very late and stayed there until the early hours."
"They had several drinks, sang some songs and headed off very late. He looked like he was having a brilliant time."
Previous Absence and Manager's Expectations
The same report claims Grealish returned home before going out with friends, including Everton teammates Jordan Pickford and Tyler Dibling plus former England and City pal Kyle Walker on Tuesday night. The Everton players had a day off on Wednesday.
Grealish had already missed Everton's 2-0 Premier League defeat to Arsenal the previous Saturday through illness and is also understood to have been absent from a subsequent training session.
His omission for the Carabao Cup fixture came just weeks after Everton manager David Moyes had outlined his expectations for the former Aston Villa captain. He said: "I think Jack knows what I expect now. We had lots of conversations last year. He knows when he comes here there is an opportunity for him to play and to show what he can do."
"But I also want him to be a senior professional and a role model. We've got Tyrique and Tyler and if ever you are looking at somebody for how to play as a wide player, Jack Grealish would certainly be one of them."
Everton next face Newcastle in the Premier League at St James' Park on Monday evening, and it remains to be seen whether Grealish will be part of the travelling squad.
