Manchester City players have been stunned by an incredible request from chairman Thaksin Shinawatra.

The Sunday Mirror says Shinawatra has hit the club with another shock by asking for the players to bow to him Thai-style before each game.

Bowing is a traditional mark of respect in Shinawatra's native Thailand. But some at City see this as another example of how the former Thai Prime Minister is turning the club into his personal dictatorship.

A City insider said: "At first we thought it was a joke, but the owner was serious about the players paying their respects. It's just not going to happen."