Tomas Soucek set to be stripped off Czech Republic captaincy

West Ham United midfielder Tomas Soucek has received his fair share of criticism in recent months.

The Czech Republic have been unable to reach their heights in recent months, but have turned a corner under new coach Nuno Espirito Santo. Soucek has been linked with a move to Everton.

Tomas Soucek has excelled under Nuno

The tall midfielder has changed his role under the new coach, and is being used as an assist striker. The midfielder has shown impressive form, scoring in successive wins over Newcastle and Burnley. There is no doubt that he will be a man for West Ham as they look to secure survival in the Premier League.

Soucek has been a target for Leeds United.

Meanwhile, the midfielder has been under heavy criticism with the national team as well. The midfielder and his teammates came under heavy criticism recently after they refused to thank Czech fans following their 6-0 thrashing of Gibraltar in a World Cup qualifier this week.

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Soucek has been punished over the recent controversy

The Czech football Association has now issued an apology to fans for the players’ behaviour. They added that the players will not receive their usual financial rewards for the match, and Soucek will not be the team captain in the next match either.

“The players’ reaction should have been the opposite. They should have thanked the active fans. Not only for yesterday’s support, but also for their long-term and tireless support throughout the entire qualifying cycle after a series of unconvincing performances,” the statement read.

“FAČR has also decided that Tomas Soucek will not lead the team as captain in the next match and the players will not receive bonuses related to yesterday’s qualifying match. This money will be donated to help those in need.”

It seems that the players were dissatisfied with the fans’ excessive criticism of their performance. It remains to be seen whether the midfielder can turn things around and win the approval of fans at club and international level in the coming months.