JOIN USBhutia was served with a showcause notice by Mohun Bagan for missing some practice sessions and skipping an exhibition match in Jalpaiguri. The Sikkimese was also barred from attending practice till he replied to the notice.
A hurt Bhutia responded by claiming he doesn’t want to play for the club anymore despite having a year left in his contract.
Houghton defended his captain, saying in his career as a globe-trotting coach, he had been associated with very few international players as dedicated as Bhutia.
“I was astonished to see the commitment and dedication of our Indian team captain questioned. I have coached international players of more than 30 countries and I have never found a more committed and dedicated player,” Houghton said in a statement.
“To question the commitment of any player who has played at the very top level in his country for 16 years is truly inane,” Houghton added.