Zahovic sent home after bust-up

Slovenia's star player Zlatko Zahovic was today kicked out of his country's World Cup squad following his bust-up with coach Srecko Katenec, Slovenian officials have confirmed.

The Benfica star is the second player to be sent home in disgrace, following the dismissal of Roy Keane before the tournament.

Zahovic came to blows with Katanec after the coach withdrew the top midfielder during a 3-1 defeat to Spain in their World Cup debut match last Sunday.

Katenec announced afterwards he would resign after the tournament but Slovenian Football Federation president Rudy Zavru tried to smooth the affair over while Zahovic apologised yesterday and withdrew his criticisms of his coach.

However today, team officials announced that Zahovic had been expelled from the squad.

"I can confirm that Zahovic is being sent home. We have no further comment to make at this stage," said Slovenian team spokesman Rok Sinkovc.