Duverne´s career takes another twist

Robert Duverne, best known for his heated row with then France captain Patrice Evra during their farcical World Cup campaign, resigned as assistant coach of Ligue 1 tailenders Arles-Avignon on Monday.

The 43-year-old was France’s physio during the finals in South Africa and clashed with Evra when the players boycotted a training session because of the expulsion the previous day of striker Nicolas Anelka for a foul-mouthed tirade at then coach Raymond Domenech.

Duverne, who was also physio to French giants Lyon from 2005-09, and Evra had to be separated by Domenech, with the physio seen hurling his stop watch away as he stormed off the pitch.

Duverne confirmed to AFP that he had stepped down from his present post after just two months in the job.

Arles-Avignon have made a disastrous start to their first season among the elite, failing to accrue a point in their opening five matches, scoring just two goals and conceding 10 and lost 4-0 away at Paris Saint Germain on Saturday.