BOLTON Wanderers star Josh Vela has been fined by the club and warned about his future behaviour after being ejected from a restaurant last weekend.

Manager Phil Parkinson admitted he was “disappointed” that the 23-year-old had been involved in an incident at the Retreat restaurant on Chorley New Road on Sunday lunchtime.

Vela, aged 23, is alleged to have threatened and sworn at staff whilst drinking with friends.

Parkinson confirmed that disciplinary action had been taken against the midfielder and that he had apologised on behalf of the club to restaurant management.

It is understood Vela has been docked some of his salary and is also expected to make an apology.

“I’m obviously not happy and have done my own investigation into what happened, I think I am quite clear on that now,” Parkinson told The Bolton News.

“I can’t defend Josh, however, I will say he has been excellent in terms of his conduct at the club since I have been here.

“He has put his heart and soul into Bolton Wanderers and as much as we will deal with this internally there is a line then drawn through it.”

Wanderers launched an immediate investigation after a complaint was made about the Salford-born youngster’s conduct, described by one diner as a “disgrace”.

Vela will, however, be free to play against Fleetwood Town tomorrow as Wanderers continue their quest for promotion to the Championship The tension is building around the Macron Stadium as the end of the season draws near and Parkinson called a team meeting yesterday in training to underline the importance of acting responsibly off the field.

“There seems to have been a pressure valve situation with Josh,” he said. “A couple of things happened over the weekend which perhaps affected him.

“He cares passionately about the club and he isn’t someone who courts this type of publicity.

“In fairness to all the lads there hasn’t been many instances like this over the course of the season but I have reminded them that they are representing the club when they are out and about.

“Their behaviour has been good and their willingness to go out into the town and do things for the club has been excellent, we haven’t had any moans about that.

“As much as you don’t want these phone calls as a manager on a Monday morning, I have dealt with it and I will move on.”

COMMENT: Josh Vela needs to let his feet do the talking now after restaurant incident

Parkinson says Vela regrets his behaviour and has promised to knuckle down for the rest of the campaign.

“He is disappointed in himself for getting involved but he’s a young lad and I think general frustration boiled over. He knows it was wrong but must move on now.”