Ghana midfielder Sulley Muntari has narrowly avoided becoming the second player sent home from the World Cup in disgrace after abusing coach Milovan Rajevac and his team-mates following the Black Stars' 1-1 draw with Australia.
Reportedly angered at losing starting place to Andre Ayew, Muntari launched a foul-mouthed tirade at his coach in the dressing room after the game on Saturday before maintaining the rage on the team bus when he turned on his team-mates.
France's Nicolas Anelka has already been sent home from South Africa after abusing coach Raymond Domenech but Muntari narrowly averted becoming that fate as Ghana captain Stephen Appiah stepped in to support the Inter Milan player.
Appiah's intervention saw Muntari apologise to everyone he abused, but his actions are still threatening to disrupt Group D leader Ghana's preparation for its final group clash with Germany on Wednesday.
"The Ghana Football Association confirms that player Sulley Muntari is still a member of the Black Stars team at the World Cup in South Africa," read a statement on the Ghana FA website.
"We wish to state that Sulley Muntari reacted angrily and in a manner that was offensive to the team's Code of Conduct in the aftermath of Ghana's game against Australia."
"He was accordingly reprimanded for his behaviour with the player explaining that, his actions were borne out of his frustration by the team's inability to record a win."
"Sulley has since recognised his misconduct and apologised to the management, technical team and playing body of the Black Stars."
"The player has also reiterated his commitment and loyalty to the team and his readiness to play and give off his utmost best to the team."
The statement did not disclose what Muntari's penalty actually was.
This is not the first time Muntari has been in trouble with team management.
The 25-year-old has previously been sent home from Ghana's African Nations Cup campaign, while also being expelled from the Black Stars' Under-23 squad at the Athens Olympics in 2008.