Johannes Hoff Thorup believes Onel Hernandez overstepped the mark with his recent social media behaviour after being excluded from Norwich City’s goalless draw against Sunderland.
Hernandez appeared to support critical comments aimed at Thorup in the replies to a matchday vlog from the weekend’s clash with Plymouth. The Norwich boss confirmed after Tuesday night’s draw at Carrow Road that Hernandez’s omission was due to an internal disciplinary matter.
“We’re dealing with an internal situation involving him, and that’s why he wasn’t included in the squad,” Thorup said when asked about the winger’s absence.
Pressed further, he acknowledged it was indeed a disciplinary issue stemming from Hernandez’s online activity. “It’s a fair question, and it’s fair for me to say yes,” he admitted. However, he stopped short of ruling the Cuban international out of Friday’s trip to Burnley. “We’ve had situations like this before. It depends now on how he responds – his reaction, his reflection, his behaviour in the coming days.”
Thorup stressed that every player is expected to meet the standards set at the club, and there are clear boundaries in place. “If you step outside those lines, there’s always a way back – but it’s about how you react. It doesn’t matter who you are. We have to trust one another, and there are consequences when that trust is broken.”
This isn’t the first time Thorup has had to address disciplinary matters this season, referencing similar instances with Jose Cordoba and Shane Duffy. However, he suggested Hernandez’s case is more complex due to a longer history of social media-related issues.
“This one is a bit more difficult,” Thorup said. “It’s been ongoing for a number of years. He’s been very active on social media for some time, and occasionally he steps over the line. This time, I felt it went too far.”
Thorup reiterated his commitment to upholding the team’s values and culture, stating that while mistakes happen, there must be accountability. “We’re open about these things. It’s important for the way we run the club that players know there are standards, and if you fall short, there are consequences – but also opportunities to come back with the right attitude.”
