£80,000 fine for Blues star Butt

Birmingham midfielder Nicky Butt is expected to be fined around two weeks’ wages – £80,000 (€116,000) – after walking out on the team prior to Monday’s defeat at West Ham.

The former Manchester United player yesterday apologised for going straight home after being told he was not in the squad for the Barclays Premiership match at Upton Park.

Butt left the ground soon after learning he had been replaced in the team by manager Steve Bruce’s son Alex.

He admitted he regretted his actions, saying in a statement: “Having been informed that I was not to be a part of the West Ham game, I made a decision that I regret, a decision that was made on the spur of the moment and while I was feeling totally dejected. It was the wrong decision and unacceptable.

“Therefore, I would like to apologise unreservedly to the manager, coaching staff, team-mates and fans for my actions.

“There is no doubt we are in a battle and it is important that we all stick together,” added Butt.

“I want to be a part of that and make a contribution to Birmingham City staying in the Premier League.”