EPL: Sunderland's Stephane Sessegnon dropped ahead of Crystal Palace game

Sessegnon vying for the ball with Tottenham’s Stephen Caulker

Stephane Sessegnon has been dropped by manager Paolo Di Canio following the player facing charges for driving under the influence, reports Guardian.

The Benin International was pulled up by police in Newcastle city center on Tuesday night coinciding with his team’s kickoff against MK Dons at the Stadium of Light.

While Di Canio refused to comment on his player’s misdemeanour, he feels let down by Sessegnon choosing not to watch the Capital One Cup tie, which ended in a 4-2 victory for Sunderland.

The forward was not compelled to attend the game, but his manager believes that if he did not wish to attend the game , he should have stayed home with his family instead of being spotted at Newcastle city center, just a stone throw away from St James’ Park.

Sessegnon had been rested for the Capital One game, but was tipped to return for the trip to Crystal Palace tomorrow – but Di Canio has instead told him he won’t be playing.

The striker has struggled to find form lately, being hauled off in both Premier League games but his work ethic has been lauded by his manager.

Sessagnon could still find his way back to the starting line up with Di Canio making it clear last night that he is willing to give his player’s a second chance.

Di Canio said: “I will judge each case on its merits and if a footballer says he is really sorry and you think he means it, then yes, there is a second chance.

“If you arrive late for training and are fined and then become more professional, then there is a way back.

“But if you don’t even think you are doing wrong and say sorry without really meaning it, that is different.”