Blues deal with Butt

Birmingham midfielder Nicky Butt today has met manager Steve Bruce after being fined for walking out on the team prior to Monday’s defeat at West Ham.

It is believed Butt has been fined two weeks’ wages, around £80,000 (€116,000), for leaving Upton Park after he was told he was not in the squad for the Barclays Premiership match.

The former Manchester United player, 31, yesterday apologised for going straight home after learning he had been replaced in the team by Bruce’s son Alex.

The club insist “the matter is now closed” after Butt met with Bruce this morning.

A statement confirmed: “The club has dealt with Nicky under the club’s disciplinary procedure.”

Butt apologised last night, saying: “On reflection I understand it was the wrong decision and unacceptable. Therefore, I would like to apologise to the manager, coaching staff, team mates and fans for my actions.”