‘Insulted’ Courtois refuses to play Belgium qualifier after captaincy snub

BRUSSELS (AFP): Thibaut Courtois has refused to make the trip to Tallinn for Belgium’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Estonia on Tuesday after being overlooked for the stand-in captaincy last week.

In the absence of regular skipper Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku wore the captain’s armband for the 1-1 draw with Austria last Saturday.

Coach Domenico Tedesco said the plan had been for his two vice-captains, Lukaku and Real Madrid goalkeeper Courtois, to lead the side in one match each during the international break.

“After the game Thibaut suddenly wanted to talk to me and told me he was going home because he was disappointed and felt insulted,” Tedesco told a press conference on Monday.

“In my eyes, he’s the best goalkeeper in the world. I appreciate him as a goalkeeper and also as a person.

“I’m surprised and shocked that he felt offended and disappointed.

“In March, we decided that Kevin would be captain and there would be two vice-captains — Lukaku and Courtois. I spoke to them before the match…

“For Austria, it was Lukaku, for Austria it was Courtois. The latter told me immediately after the match he no longer agreed.”

Strasbourg ‘keeper Matz Sels will take Courtois’ place in goal for the Estonia game.

“It’s a sad situation,” said veteran defender Jan Vertonghen.

“I would prefer Thibaut to be there but the group process is important. That process is now certainly disrupted and a solution will have to be found.”

Belgium were affected by reported infighting during the World Cup last year when they crashed out in the group stage, with De Bruyne saying during the tournament the team were “too old”.

Previous captain Eden Hazard retired from international football after the debacle in Qatar and coach Roberto Martinez left.

Belgium have four points from two games in Euro qualifying, sitting second in Group F behind Austria.