Croatia and AC Milan striker Nikola Kalinic has
been sent home from the 2018 World Cup after
refusing to come on as a substitute during their
2-0 victory over Nigeria in their Group D opening
game on Saturday.
Kalinic had started on the bench for the fourth
successive international match but was asked to
enter the game by boss Zlatko Dalic with just five
minutes to go.
According to Daily Mail, Kalinic complained about
a back issue forcing Dalic to turn to Marko Pjaca,
who is nominally a wide player, to come on in
place of Mario Mandzukic.
However, it is understood Dalic was unconvinced
by Kalinic’s claim and was left furious at him after
the final whistle.
The decision was taken to axe the AC Milan
forward on Monday morning with Kalinic believed
to be taking the first flight back home from
Russia.
Meanwhile, Dalic has called an emergency press
conference and is set to clarify the situation later
on Monday.
Croatia’s next game is against Argentina on
Thursday. Loadedtune reveal.
