HAKIM ZIYECH has come in for a scathing attack from his national boss – with the Chelsea star accused of ‘unacceptable’ behaviour.
The winger has helped the Blues win the Champions League and UEFA Super Cup since his £37million arrival last year.
But Morocco ace Ziyech has now come under fire, with coach Vahid Halilhodzic questioning the 28-year-old’s attitude.
Ziyech has been left out of the Atlas Lions’ squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Sudan on Thursday and Guinea next Monday.
He appeared to mock the decision with a cryptic post on Instagram earlier this week.
But Halilhodzic blasted the former Ajax star’s conduct at the time of Morocco’s June friendlies against Ghana and Burkina Faso.
The Bosnian fumed: “Ziyech’s behaviour in the last two matches, especially the last one, was not that of a national team player..
“As a leader of the team, he has to be a positive role model.
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“He arrived late, and then even refused to work. There was no point in discussing it afterwards – as a coach the answer is right there to see.
“For me the national team comes above everything. Nobody can hold it hostage.
“For the first time in my career I have seen behaviour that disappoints me.
“A player who refuses to play a game, admittedly a friendly, on the pretext that he is injured.
“The medical staff made several examinations, and said he was fit to play.
“He then refused to warm up in the second-half, because he was disappointed to be a substitute.
“For me that type of behaviour is unacceptable. You can’t cheat with the national team.
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“You are 100 per cent there, or you are not.”
Chelsea declined to comment as it is a national team matter.
Holland-born Ziyech has won 41 Morocco caps, scoring 17 goals, since switching national allegiance in 2015.
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