Norwich manager Chris Hughton will investigate reports wantaway Republic of Ireland midfielder Wes Hoolahan made derogatory remarks about the Norfolk club ahead of a media conference on Thursday afternoon.
Hoolahan's transfer request has been rejected following on from a bid by Aston Villa, managed by former Canaries boss Paul Lambert, which was turned down.
The Dubliner is understood to have been involved in a brief off-air exchange with a television reporter, witnessed by her cameraman, in a separate area of the club’s Colney training complex where they were preparing for a different interview, during which Hoolahan allegedly used expletives to describe his current employers.
Hughton was unaware of the incident when he later attended the scheduled media briefing, but intends to look into what happened before deciding on any disciplinary action.
"What you are telling me is news to me. It is not something I am aware of and is something I will have to investigate," said Hughton, who is looking to sign Nigerian defender Joseph Yobo on loan from Turkish club Fenerbahce.
“What I have always been able to do is front the media on something I have knowledge of and can speak of in an appropriate and correct way.
“We know it is an unsettling time for players in that situation (out of the team), but it won’t be the first or the last time you have to deal with situations like that, and it is my responsibility as the manager (to do so).
“There are always going to be procedures you have at the club, whether a player wants to go or whether the club want to keep that particular player.
“At this moment, Wes is very much a Norwich player ”
Norwich midfielder Robert Snodgrass had earlier addressed the press, partly at his own request, to issue a public apology for an outburst against some home supporters in Tuesday night's ill-tempered goalless draw against Newcastle.
The Scotland international was involved in a heated exchange with a section of the City Stand towards the end of what had been a frustrating first half for the home team, when his poor delivery from a corner was headed away at the near post.
"I reacted and I shouldn't have. The fans are a great set. It was heat of the moment," said Snodgrass, who almost won the game late on when a close-range header was saved by Tim Krul.
“I put so much heart and determination into everything I do, because I care.
“When it does not go right there is no-one really more disappointed than myself. I don’t think straight for days on end.
“The fans were singing my name at the end and I went straight over to apologise at that section of the ground. It is one of those things, and you draw a line under it.
“I am the same as the fans – I have the same drive and determination to do well for this club and I love being at this club.
“You take the good with the bad and we move forwards as a club because we need this support more than anything because they are the 12th man.”
Snodgrass rejected suggestions he was agitating for a move to Celtic.
“If I wanted to go to Celtic, then you would not see passion like that on the football park – no chance,” the former Leeds winger said.
“I am doing everything I possibly can and I will continue to do that for this football club, that is why I am showing all this passion and desire.”
Hughton hopes former Everton defender Yobo will provide needed cover for injured centre half Michael Turner.
"Joseph knows this division very well and has great experience, so let's hope that one can be completed," said Hughton, who also brought in midfielder Jonas Gutierrez on loan from Newcastle earlier this month.
Norwich, meanwhile, have appealed the red card shown to midfielder Bradley Johnson for a clash with Newcastle striker Loic Remy, which if overturned would make him available for Saturday's trip to bottom club Cardiff.
