Leicester players forced Ranieri out

Cape Town - Leicester City announced on Thursday that they had parted company with Fifa Coach of the Year Claudio Ranieri. Reports now suggest that the Italian was betrayed by his players.

Ranieri's position had come under intense scrutiny this season during a slump that has left the Foxes just a point above the relegation zone following last term's starting title triumph, with Leicester 5 000/1 no-hopers before the start of the 2015/16 campaign.

According to media reports, Ranieri was betrayed by his players, with senior members of the squad reportedly speaking to the club's owners behind his back.

The players raised concerns about Ranieri's constant tinkering of a settled squad and playing style, adding that they could not continue with him at the helm.

The decision by the Leicester owners to sack Ranieri has proven to be a divisive decision with many taking to social media to share their disbelief at the decision after Ranieri guided the Foxes to the English Premiership title.

Foxes legend, Gary Lineker, who is referred to as 'Leicester's favourite son' labelled the club's decision to sack Ranieri as unforgivable with many fellow pundits stating that they love 'the beautiful game' a bit less.

After all that Claudio Ranieri has done for Leicester City, to sack him now is inexplicable, unforgivable and gut-wrenchingly sad.

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) February 23, 2017