The manager of Everton, Sean Dyche, stated that there was “no substance” to an altercation involving himself and defender Nathan Patterson.
Reports indicated that during a warm weather training camp earlier this month, Dyche purportedly delivered a “light-hearted slap” to Patterson, 22, leading to a heated argument.
“I tapped him on the head like an older brother would and he didn’t get the joke. It’s really that simple,” said Dyche, 52.
“Never let the truth get in the way of a good story. Nothing in it really.”
Scotland international Patterson has made 25 appearances for Everton this season, but he hasn’t played since January.
The incident allegedly took place during Everton’s journey to Portugal before the international break, with defender James Tarkowski intervening.
During the international break, Patterson represented Scotland twice, facing the Netherlands and then Northern Ireland.
Dyche hoping for quick resolution to latest charge
Dyche expresses his desire for a swift resolution to the club’s recent charge for purportedly violating the Premier League’s financial regulations, hoping that it ultimately proves inconsequential.
In November, Everton received a 10-point deduction, later reduced to six on appeal, for infringing profit and sustainability regulations during the three-year period leading up to 2021-22. However, in January, they faced a second charge for the subsequent three-year period up to 2022-23.
Currently positioned 16th in the Premier League, Everton holds a four-point advantage over Nottingham Forest, who themselves incurred a four-point deduction earlier this month.
“We’re just waiting, really, like we did last time,” Dyche said. “I’m sure everyone’s hoping that it’s fast-tracked slightly, but we’ll have to wait and see.
“I don’t think anyone has concrete proof of how or which way these things will go, particularly after the first one.
“We can only give the information that’s appropriate. I wasn’t there, obviously, but I’m told we’ve given every bit of information that we can give.
“We hope that they see, accordingly, what the club has been trying to do to make sure we’re within the right areas that they need us to be in. So, therefore, we’ll hope that it comes to nothing.”