Roberto Di Matteo tells Jack Grealish to 'grow up' as Aston Villa launch investigation into hotel party
Roberto Di Matteo has told Jack Grealish to "grow up" as Villa continue their investigation into claims the midfielder attended a raucous early-hours party at a Birmingham hotel.
Grealish is alleged to have been at a bash which went on until around 8am on Sunday morning at the Park Regis Hotel on Broad Street.
It is claimed the party, which eventually had to be broken-up by police, involved the legal high nitrous oxide, more commonly known as 'hippy crack' - though there is no suggestion Grealish himself used the drug.
Di Matteo confirmed the 21-year-old will face disciplinary action - almost certainly a substantial fine - once the club's investigation is complete.
The manager also expressed his frustration at the latest off-field incident involving a player who has been no stranger to them during his short career.
"We expect our players to behave in a professional manner at all times," said Di Matteo.
"We were made aware of it (the incident) on Monday morning and instantly started an investigation into it, which is still on-going. Once we have finished we will take disciplinary action.
"This is the stance. Once we finish it and have the facts and then take disciplinary action we think is right to take."
West Midlands Police yesterday confirmed officers attended the hotel at 7.45am after other guests raised concerns over a "rowdy party" amid claims some revellers were refusing to leave. No arrests were made, though 12 people, both men and women, left the hotel.
Di Matteo would not confirm whether Grealish, who only earlier this month signed a new Villa Park, will be available for Saturday's home game with Newcastle. Perhaps the brightest prospect to come through the club's academy in recent years, Grealish has been no stranger to controversy since first breaking into the first-team two seasons ago.
In April 2015, he apologised to then Villa manager Tim Sherwood after being pictured inhaling 'hippy crack' and was then snapped passed out on the floor while on holiday in Tenerife the following summer.
Grealish endured a miserable 2015-16 season, playing in just 16 Premier League games as Villa were relegated from the top flight. Last November, he was fined and dropped to the under-21s by boss Remi Garde after being pictured out partying just hours after a 4-0 defeat at Everton.
After a bright start to life under Di Matteo, Grealish signed a new deal earlier this month. But the manager has now warned he must learn quickly or risk jeopardising his career.
"In general for the sake of any player they need to learn about what it takes to be an athlete. He (Grealish) needs to grow up very quickly," he said.
"It's not the first time and he needs to understand if he wants a good career this has to stop."
