The Injured Party

Sitting alone in his suit in the away dressing room of their bitter rivals, injured footballer Jordan Jeffries sends messages on his phone. A massive cheer from outside indicates the home fans are elated, but they are not celebrating a goal. In walks in, angry and disappointed, United hard man and former club captain, Ade Akinwande. He has just been sent off for the third time this season, all before winter even sets in, and as usual, he feels wronged by the referee’s decision. He sits down opposite to state his case, but Jordan knows his reputation and isn’t having any of it. A stance that annoys Ade further. When matters calm down, Jordan shares his concerns with his teammate, and he can’t understand why he is being kept out of the loop regarding team affairs, including not being consulted about details of the club’s Christmas party. As he is readying himself for a shower, Ade explains that it is partly due to the manager having no time for injured players, even though he injured Jordan in training at the back end of the previous season. The other reason Ade gives is that the local newspaper uses Jordan’s image to advertise itself, and the boss despises the press and media. He mistrusts them and, by association, any player involved with them. After his shower, Ade confides in Jordan that the manager thinks a mole in the camp is syphoning details of management meetings, tactics, and transfer dealings to the national papers. As Ade is getting dressed, Jordan receives a phone call. He turns away to quietly speak to the caller, which his teammate notices. When the call ends, Ade asks Jordan if the caller is his girlfriend. Jordan’s response showed that he had something to hide. As the half-time whistle blows on the pitch, Ade tells Jordan that he is the mole and suggests that the next call he makes is to his agent as his tenure at United is over. As their teammates approach the dressing room, Ade tells a shocked Jordan that at least he no longer needs to be concerned about what he’ll get to wear at the Christmas party.