Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has been dropped forWednesday's Champions League match against Porto as punishment for his heated argument withmanager Massimiliano Allegri.
According toSportsMail,Allegri announced in hispre-match press conference that Bonucci will sit in the stands for the match against Porto and thathe had agreed the severity of the punishmentwith club officials.
Allegri described the decision as"a fair decision, out of respect for the squad, the fans and the club."
The Italian international and long-term Chelsea target became embroiled in a heated argument with Allegri after a 4-1 win over Palermo on Friday. The argument arose due to the defender's disagreement with the substitutions made during the game.
Bonucci has sincebeenfined by the club for his outburst, which also included the defendersprinting straight down the tunnel at the final whistle without acknowledging his manager or the Juve fans.
Manager Allegri have also interestingly punished himself with a fine due tohis angry reaction to Bonucci, announcing that he will make a donation to charity.
The manager said, "Leonardo Bonucci will not be in the squad tomorrow; it is right to do so on behalf of the club, fans and team. As an important and intelligent Juventus player, Bonucci understands the decision."
It was the third time in three weeks that players had questioned Allegri's decisions and the manager said the moves should be 'an example for the future,' adding that 'it's the time to make decisions and move on.'
In the absence of Bonucci for the clash against Porto, Andrea Barzagli will partner Giorgio Chiellini in defence."Barzagli and Chiellini are in good shape," Allegri said. "We've brought everybody here as it's an important time of the season, even for the four players who will sit in the stands tomorrow night."