Mark Warburton has insisted it was Everton's choice to let on-loan striker Chris Long play for their U21 side, instead of taking his place in Brentford's squad for their play-off semi final against Middlesbrough.
Bees fans were aghast when they discovered the striker had turned out for the Toffees, given the lack of striking options on the bench for the cruel 2-1 defeat against Boro.
But Warburton has insisted that it was their demands to give Long, who sustained a gashed leg playing for the Toffees earlier in the loan, a run out before allowing him to return to Griffin Park ahead of the second leg next Friday.
Warburton wrote on Twitter: “Chris is an Everton player and we have a strong relationship with what is an outstanding (Premier League) club. When any loan player is injured they recall (them).
“The recall is to examine and make sure 'their' player is ok. Chris had a nasty gash requiring several stitches and like all clubs they will fitness test before sending him back. This is absolutely their prerogative and once satisfied, they resume the loan.
“Everton and BFC have stayed in close contact and the player will return to us on Monday. I hope this clarifies the situation for Bees fans.”
