By Nick Butler at the Main Press Centre in Glasgow

Eric Hollingsworth, pictured at the training camp in Gateshead, has now been stripped of his accreditation ©Getty ImagesAthletics Australia (AA) head coach Eric Hollingsworth has had his accreditation revoked and will be sent home from Glasgow 2014 as the fall-out of his public criticism of the country's most high profile athlete, Olympic 100 metre hurdles champion Sally Pearson, continues. 


This follows the English-born coach claiming Pearson, who is team captain of the Australian team here in Glasgow, set a bad example for the rest of the squad by failing to attend the team's pre-Games camp in Gateshead, and to instead race at the Sainsbury's Anniversary Games in London.

Later in the day, AA President David Grace condemned Hollingsworth for the fact he said anything, for what he said about Person in particular, and for the timing of what he said.

Grace said Hollingsworth had defied specific instructions by choosing to issue a media release through a public relations advisor.

The coach was consequently suspended without pay.

It was explained this morning that AA officials have now decided to revoke his accreditation and ensure he flies home as soon as possible. 

Australian Chef de Mission Steve Moneghetti added that Hollingsworth understands the sanctions that have been imposed on him and he has his right to his own views and opinions on the matter.

"He's been open and honest with us, but he breached the team agreement set by the Australian Commonwealth Games Federation and that is like our bible to us," he added.

"It's for Athletics Australia and Eric to sort it out.

"My focus is now on the athletes here in Glasgow."

Sally Pearson will be going head to head with the likes of Tiffany Porter of England in Glasgow ©Getty ImagesSally Pearson will be going head to head with the likes of Tiffany Porter of England in Glasgow ©Getty Images



Moneghetti, a former marathon runner who won three Commonwealth Games medals including gold at Victoria 1994, added that Pearson was up to date with the action taken and that of AA.

"She is focused on her performances and when I spoke to her last night she appeared to be no different from her normal self," he said.

But despite this, the saga is certainly not ideal for the defence of her 100m hurdles crown, set to begin in Hampden Park this evening.

The 2011 world champion is the favourite for gold but will face tough opposition from the likes of England's Tiffany Porter, the 2013 World Championship bronze medallist, and Canada's Angel Whyte.

The situation is also adding to a sense of instability in the Australian team, with it also emerging last night that Aussie weightlifter Francois Etoundi has been arrested after allegedly assaulting a member of the Welsh team in the Athletes' Village.

Speaking this morning, Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive Mike Hooper said his accreditation will be removed and he will be banned from the Village.

It is possible he could also lose the bronze medal he won in the 77kg category. 

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