Panathinaikos to clip night owl Govou´s wings

France international Sidney Govou has incurred the wrath of his new club Panathinaikos after breaking their strict rules governing nights out.

The Greek champions want a written explanation from the striker by Friday after he was reportedly seen at an Athens nightclub late Sunday, Sport.gr reported.

A Panathinaikos spokesman contacted by AFP refused to comment on the report, save to confirm that the club has asked for a written response by Govou by Friday.

This is the third incident involving the 32-year-old former Lyon player since his arrival in Greece.

On October 3 Govou was first warned about defying the team’s curfew when he returned home late, and on September 17 he reported late for a practice session.

On this latest occasion he is reported to have stayed out beyond a 3 a.m. curfew.

Govou joined Panathinaikos on a two-year deal worth a reported 1.5 million euros a year with a one million euros signing on bonus this summer, but he has seen little first team action after taking time off following the death of his father.

Govou faces a 20,000 to 50,000 euros fine for his latest action, the spokesman confirmed.

Sportnet.gr reported that Panathinaikos’ star striker Djibril Cisse has tried without success to convince Govou to stop his partying habits.

“I told him some things, let him do what he wants. I cannot do anything else,” Cisse was quoted by the website as telling Panathinaikos officials.

The website added that Govou’s manager is planning to come to Greece to talk to his client about his behaviour.