Everton's Van der Meyde banned for missing training

LONDON, Aug 17 (Reuters) Everton have suspended troubled Dutch midfielder Andy van der Meyde for missing training, the club said today.

''Van der Meyde has been disciplined following his non-appearance at training on Sunday following the opening day success against Wigan Athletic at Goodison Park,'' the club said on their Web site (www.evertonfc.com).

''He has subsequently been suspended for a week by the manager and he has been handed the maximum fine possible.

''Andy has had numerous warnings about this type of thing and we won't tolerate it any longer,'' said manager David Moyes.

''I will make a decision regarding the player's future next week.'' Van der Meyde, 27, joined Everton from Inter Milan two years ago but, constantly hampered by injuries and off-field dramas, failed to establish himself in the first team.

Last April he made a public apology to Moyes after accusing his manager of lying as the two men argued about his fitness while a year ago he was fined after a night out in Liverpool ended with him in hospital with breathing difficulties.

He was also burgled while playing for Everton in a testimonial last August.

REUTERS SR PM2235