Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan admits the club is angry over Amr Zaki's late return from international duty.
Whelan described Zaki's behaviour as "absolutely unforgivable" but refused to confirm whether the striker's future could still lie at the JJB Stadium.
Whelan told Sky Sports: "That is for Steve Bruce to decide. I back him to the hilt. But if he (Zaki) behaves like this, he's going to find it very difficult to have a future with Wigan Athletic."
Whelan believes rediscovering the form he showed at the start of his spell in England is the way for Zaki to get back in the good books.
"If he can get scoring goals again, the fans will love him again, but he has to win their respect," he added. "If Steve decides he wants to be heavy-handed with him this time, I'm right behind him."