Nielsen punished by AGF

Former Denmark midfield player Brian Steen Nielsen has been fined and sacked as club captain by AGF Århus after he admitted assaulting a team-mate.

Decision accepted
The 34-year-old head-butted Nicolaj Hust in an incident at the club's training ground last Tuesday. "I have apologised to Nicolaj as well as to the rest of the team and to the club, and I accept my fine and my sacking as captain," said Nielsen, who was capped 66 times by his country before retiring after last summer's FIFA World Cup.

Club statement
The incident was brought to light at the weekend after reports in the Danish press. In response, an official club statement said: "AGF clearly condemn any kind of violence on the pitch as well as outside it, though we realise that football is a contact sport, where the players involved may have difficulties controlling their emotions from time to time."

Hust departure
Following a mutual agreement with the club management, Hust has left AGF with immediate effect. However, the player said that he had spoken to Nielsen and their relationship was "the same as ever". Although no individual has pressed charges, Nielsen could still face prosecution.

Police inquiry
"After investigating the matter, we have decided to charge Brian Steen Nielsen with violence," Århus police chief inspector Betn Preben Nielsen, told uefa.com. "Our further investigations will then show if there is also a basis for taking the case to court."