Flintoff's father: 'Freddie feels betrayed'

Updated 08.56 Wed Oct 31 2007

Keywords: Sir Ian Botham, Geoffrey Boycott, England, Andrew Flintoff, cricket, Duncan Fletcher, sport

Andrew Flintoff's father says the all-rounder feels betrayed by Duncan Fletcher after comments made in the former England cricket coach's autobiography.

Fletcher, who has also hit out at legendary duo Sir Ian Botham and Geoffrey Boycott in his forthcoming book, Behind The Shades, claimed the Lancastrian had let him down with his World Cup drinking antics in the Caribbean.

"The golden rule is that what goes on in the dressing room stays in the dressing room. Fletcher has betrayed Andrew's confidence and broken that rule" - Andrew Flintoff's father Colin

And Flintoff's father Colin has been quoted as saying: "These comments from Duncan Fletcher have really upset Andrew. I have spoken to him about this and he is not a happy man.

"The golden rule is that what goes on in the dressing room stays in the dressing room. Fletcher has betrayed Andrew's confidence and broken that rule."

Boycott has responded to Fletcher's claim that he levelled "vitriolic" personal criticism at him, saying that the Zimbabwean "is a hypocrite and should be ashamed of himself."

The England and Yorkshire legend added: "I have no problem with cricket people writing books, telling the truth, and making some money. I have done it myself. Fine. But it seems a bit rich coming from someone who has made such a big deal about not "talking out of school"."

Boycott continued: "After the stuff he has come out with in the last couple of days, I find it ironic that he spent his eight years with England spouting on about loyalty and keeping everything within the team.

"There he was, taking the moral high ground at every opportunity. And as soon as he finishes, what does he do? He gets stuck into Flintoff."