So he knew he was in the playoff final matchday squad but made no attempt to prepare himself for the game? That's a bare minimum to expect from a professional athlete. Tosser.
I think this is something that no one can get really. If you play for a club and the manager leaves you out, (if it was me for instance) I'd work my arse off to make sure he can't leave me out. I wouldn't toss it off and throw my toys out of the pram.He should have worked hard in training, hoped to get in the team anyway, and that if he did get a chance to play (in a very important final - the major objective of the season) he would be able to make a good contribution.