Gareth Bale has recovered

Lord Moynihan does not believe that Gareth Bale should be banned

British Olympic Association chairman Lord Moynihan has come out in defence of Tottenham star Gareth Bale.

The Spurs ace has courted controversy after withdrawing from Team GB’s Olympic squad because of a back injury, only to play for Tottenham against LA Galaxy on Wednesday – and scoring.

Fifa chairman Sepp Blatter has said that players who were too injured to play for their Olympic side could be banned from playing for their clubs during the Games but the Boa chairman disagees.

“I don’t agree with the comments. I think Sepp Blatter needs to get closer to Team GB,” Moynihan said.

“I understand the response from some football fans who were hoping to see Gareth Bale play as part of Team GB.

“My view is different. I welcome the fact that he has returned from injury earlier than expected.”