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With tensions rising before their big kick-off against Italy on June 3, Ecuador's Colombian coach Hernan Gomez has banned a journalist from attending training sessions and talking to his players.

The reporter is a Colombian, although Gomez and the Ecuador Football Federation have chosen not to release his name.

"He's a badly spoken clown," said Gomez.

"If this man doesn't like the way Ecuador is working, he can clear off," he added, obviously annoyed at criticism of his team who are making their first appearance in a World Cup this summer.

This is not Gomez's first brush with controversy. Last year he was shot in the leg after failing to include the son of former Ecuador president Bucaram in the Under-21 squad, prompting the entire national team to threaten to retire.

However, on this occasion, it appears he has the Ecuador Football Federation (FEF) completely behind him.

"We will take measures to stop this person having access to the team," said a spokesman.