Swift dropped after social media post

John Swift was left out of Brentford’s squad for the game against Blackburn after a message he posted on social media caused anger among some supporters.

The on-loan Chelsea midfielder cited an Instagram post by UFC fighter Conor McGregor, which read: “Some days they love you. Some days they hate you. Both days I got paid.”

Swift later apologised, insisting he had not wanted to offend Brentford fans.

Swift, 20, was not going to be in Bees boss Dean Smith’s starting line-up but was subsequently told he was being left out of the matchday squad altogether.

Smith, whose side were beaten 1-0 at home by Blackburn, said: “John wasn’t in the team anyway but he posted something on social media that I was made aware of.

“I spoke to him this morning and I just didn’t think it was right to put him on the bench today.

“He explained it when he took it down and apologised. I don’t think there was any malice in it, but it was naive from a young lad.

“Sometimes I don’t think they realise how many people it goes out to once they press the enter key, such is social media.

“He’ll go on international duty now with England Under-21s, which we’re pleased about, but we’ll speak to him.”