Dutch boss stamps out unrest after spat with van Persie

NETHERLANDS coach Bert van Marwijk has demanded unity among his World Cup players after Robin van Persie’s angry outburst at being substituted in the 2-1 defeat of Slovakia threatened to derail preparations for its quarter-final against Brazil.

Van Marwijk said yesterday he called a team meeting after reports in Dutch media that the Arsenal striker said midfielder Wesley Sneijder should have been brought off instead of him.

“I will never accept anything that could upset the next match,” Van Marwijk told Dutch national broadcaster NOS.