The Aussie had been quoted in a tabloid newspaper admitting the club's off-the-field financial situation had an effect on the players morale. "Viduka was left out of squad for couple of disciplinary reasons and I'll keep that private," said Reid. "It was a difficult decision. You don't do things that lightly but I have got a lot of players to look after and there just can't be rules for one and different rules for others. "My philosophy is to keep these things in house but it will be dealt with, I can assure you."
Amid speculation that the forward left Elland Road when informed of the decision to drop him, Reid was honest enough afterwards to reveal that the striker was not carrying any injury.