West Ham star 'refused to play against Leeds' after blazing row with Nuno Espirito Santo

West Ham defender Jean-Clair Todibo reportedly refused to be part of the squad for the club's decisive clash against Leeds United following a furious confrontation with manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

The explosive fallout came as their miserable season ended in relegation to the Championship on the final day despite beating Leeds 3-0 at the London Stadium.

Goals from Valentín Castellanos, Jarrod Bowen and Callum Wilson briefly gave supporters hope of survival before rivals Tottenham sealed the Hammers' fate by defeating Everton.

Todibo, however, was nowhere to be seen on the pitch and instead watched from the stands after allegedly making himself unavailable for selection.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

According to The Athletic, the French defender became embroiled in a heated dressing room row with Nuno after last week's defeat to Newcastle United at St James' Park.

The 26-year-old was furious after being hauled off midway through the first half following a disastrous tactical start from West Ham that saw Newcastle race into an early lead.

Todibo is said to have felt humiliated by the substitution after lasting only 25 minutes before being replaced.

The former Barcelona defender reportedly vented his frustration to goalkeeping coach Rui Barbosa before tensions escalated further with Nuno.

Todibo apparently vowed he would never play for the manager again following the confrontation.

The centre-back's omission against Leeds was therefore viewed internally as a direct consequence of the explosive dispute.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

• Sky Sports forced to apologise after Pep Guardiola comments in Man City farewell speech
• Declan Rice left devastated during Arsenal Premier League title celebrations
• Emma Raducanu makes emotional admission in press conference after teary French Open exit

Todibo's turbulent spell in east London has been littered with controversy since arriving at the club.

The Frenchman also clashed with former manager Julen Lopetegui and is said to have voiced frustrations during Graham Potter's brief spell in charge too.

His relationship with the club has deteriorated significantly in recent months and the defender is now expected to push for a move away following relegation.

Todibo's standing within the squad also suffered after Axel Disasi arrived on loan from Chelsea midway through the season.

The defender eventually managed just 23 Premier League appearances during a disappointing campaign.

His problems worsened further after he was sent off against Chelsea earlier this year for grabbing Joao Pedro by the throat during a 3-2 defeat at Stamford Bridge.

Todibo then started only three more league matches for the remainder of the season.

The Frenchman is now widely expected to be part of a major summer clear-out at the London Stadium following the club's relegation.

Bowen, Mateus Fernandes and Tomas Soucek are among several senior players who could also depart as West Ham attempt to rebuild and balance their finances in the Championship.

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter