Igor blasts Osijek

Igor Stimac hit back at Hammers UEFA Cup opponents Osijek following their failed attempt to have the result of the first round tie overturned due to Stimac playing - despite being under a 2 match UEFA ban.

Stimac said: "I'm very angry with the people from there. I know they have had a difficult time with their financial situation, but they should have complained before the first match because the second game wasn't important. If I knew I was banned I would have said something."

UEFA confirmed on Friday that Stimac would be forced to sit out West Ham's second round games against Steaua Bucharest, due to the ban which was handed out following a sending off Stimac received whilst playing for former club Hadjuk Split four years ago.

According to West Ham the list circulated by UEFA at the start of the competition containing banned players failed to mention Stimac. UEFA have agreed that this was indeed the case, and will take no further action against the club for fielding an illegible player in the first round.