West Ham have fined full-back Sebastien Schemmel two weeks' wages for publicly criticising manager Glenn Roeder.
Schemmel claims he is being frozen out at Upton Park and blamed Roeder and his coaching staff for West Ham's relegation last season.
But his comments may have jeopardised his future at the club, with Anton Ferdinand pushing for his place in the side.
Roeder told the club's official website www.whufc.com: "When things like this happen it means somewhere in the club someone else is given an opportunity.
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"I'm sure our supporters will look forward to seeing the development of young Anton Ferdinand over the coming weeks."