IHT - Struggling Bundesliga club Bochum has suspended Iran midfielder Vahid Hashemian for making critical comments about the team's coach.
Hashemian, who came to Bochum from Hannover at the start of the season, used an interview with the Bild newspaper published Thursday to complain about lack of playing time.
"I respect the decisions of our coach but I am still very upset," Hashemian was quoted as saying.
Coach Marcel Koller reacted by immediately suspending the 32-year-old player.
"I told the team weeks ago that I would pay close attention to the interviews they give. We can overcome this situation only if we stick together," said Koller, whose team is next to last in the division with just 11 points from 16 games.
Bochum plays Cologne on Saturday in the final round of matches before the league's winter break.