ANTONIO German was named among the substitutes for Southend United’s clash with Charlton Athletic on Tuesday night – after turning up late.

The striker had originally been named in the starting line-up for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy quarter final at Roots Hall.

But he dropped to the bench after arriving at around 6.50pm.

“The young lad has come here to play football games but on Tuesday night he got caught up in the circus of the A127 and paid the price of not starting the game,” confirmed Southend boss Paul Sturrock.

“He was going to start but it enabled me to look at another partnership and he might pay the price again this Saturday because it gave others a chance to play. He will also have a wee fine in his wages too.”

German is currently on loan from Championship club Queen’s Park Rangers and scored on his debut from the penalty spot against Macclesfield Town last weekend.