Coentrao "immediately" returned to Real Madrid by Sporting
The Sporting president has suspended the majority of the first team
Sporting Lisbon have ordered Fabio Coentrao to return to Real Madrid "immediately" as their president Bruno de Carvalho suspended another 18 players.
The fallout comes following the Portuguese side's 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Europa League on Thursday.
De Carvalho openly criticised the players, singling out defenders Jeremy Mathieu and Sebastian Coates for their mistakes which led to goals.
Later, the players all posted replies on social media complaining at the lack of support from the top of the club, which led to De Carvalho taking more extreme actions.
The whole saga has been played out on social media and, according A Bola, Contreao has been "immediately released" and "given orders to go straight back to the Spanish capital."
Among those that shared the post on social media were Rui Patrício, William Carvalho, Battaglia, Doumbia and Coentrao.
De Carvalho responded on Facebook by saying: "All the players who wrote the message cited below are suspended with immediate effect and will face disciplinary procedures... These spoiled children think they'll go far, but this time my patience has worn out for those who think they are above the club and any criticism."
Sporting are expected to field their B team when they face Alvalade this weekend.
