Alex McLeish has insisted Tyler Roberts has served his punishment after being sent back to Leeds United for a rule break on Wales duty.
The former Scotland boss, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 22-year-old had been “kicked where it hurts”.
As confirmed on Monday, Roberts, Hal Robson-Kane and Rabbi Matondo were told to return to their respective clubs after breaching protocol with Wales.
Three members of the Cymru senior national squad have been released from the Welsh camp today after breaching FAW protocol.
— FA WALES (@FAWales) March 29, 2021
The Athletic report the trio broke curfew in the team hotel ahead of Tuesday’s win over the Czech Republic.
The Leeds attacker later apologised for his behaviour via a story on his personal Instagram.
Roberts featured in Wales’ first two games of the international break against Belgium and Mexico.
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He has also been a regular for Leeds in recent weeks, with six successive starts to his name.
McLeish insisted there should be no more punishment dished out to the versatile forward.
McLeish told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge: “It’s a totally new kind of experience for these young people in the world just now.
“When you’re exposed at the highest level of your profession, be it footballer, accountant, publican, film star, you should realise by now you’re going to get some form of punishment.
“That’s a fact. To be relieved of duty from your country is a bit of a kick where it hurts. Lessons to be learned. That’s where you need these lessons, when you’re young. When you’re older, you tend to adhere to all the rules.
Tyler Roberts: “Gutted to be leaving the camp early but rules are rules and I shouldn't have been up in the hotel later than the set time. Sorry to the team, staff and Wales fans. I will continue to work as hard as I can to earn my place in the squad for the Euros.” #WALCZE #LUFC
— Ian Mitchelmore (@IanMitchelmore) March 29, 2021
“Young people are allowed to make mistakes. It’s part of the learning process of life. It’s also correct they should receive a punishment of sorts but not a threatening sanction to their careers.
“They’ve missed the game. The only threat is they may not get picked for their country. They have to be given a chance. If they make a mistake, they hold their hands up, they get a punishment, and they get on with what they’re good at.”
In other news, Whelan is thrilled as “brilliant” attacker agrees a “massive deal” with Leeds United.
