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.”
This post was last modified on 19/03/2016