Sean Dyche explains what really happened in awkward moment with Everton defender during Portugal training camp
Sean Dyche has revealed what really happened when a joke at the Everton team dinner didn't have the desired effect.
The Toffees took advantage of a lull in first-team fixtures and headed to Portugal for a grueling training camp.
The trip also gave the Everton star the chance to take part in some team-building activities ahead of a third successive Premier League relegation fight.
While at the club's training base in Portugal, Everton Boss Dyche became involved in a prank gone wrong with young defender Nathan Patterson.
was claimed Dyche 'slapped' the 22-year-old during a team dinner, which led to the older players having to intervene to help control the situation.
The issue was reportedly resolved internally before the team flew back to the UK, and the entire scene was downplayed as light-hearted and unserious.
Dyche was questioned about the incident during his press conference ahead of Saturday's crucial trip to Bournemouth and set the record straight, claiming the entire situation was a prank that Patterson missed.
“You know, never let the truth get in the way of a good story,” he said. “So, really, there's nothing in it.
“I tapped him on the head like your older brother would do and he didn't get the joke, there's nothing more to it, but of course, that wouldn't have sold.
“So everyone has to add layers and layers and layers to it, but it's really that simple.”
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With the incident firmly swept under the rug, Everton hope all attention can now focus on the club's fight for survival.
The Toffees are 16th in the table but face the prospect of a second points deduction this season as part of the Premier League's investigation into breaches of its profit and sustainability rules.
Everton are four points ahead of 18th-placed Nottingham Forest, who received a four point deduction on his own earlier this month.
An uncertain future awaits Dyche's team, who cannot afford many more mistakes this season with only nine games remaining.
With seven teams realistically fighting to avoid the feared drop, everything is on the line in what will undoubtedly be one of the most intriguing relegation battles in recent times.
Everton face four relegation candidates in their remaining games, which will likely determine the club's fate in the Premier League.
