Everton boss Sean Dyche sparks bust-up among his own players by SLAPPING defender Nathan Patterson on warm-weather training camp

The Toffees touched down in Portugal last week, with a row breaking out between Dyche and several of his players shortly after their arrival. The Everton boss is said to of slapped Patterson during a meal at their Algarve resort, according to the Daily Mail.

Although Dyche did not have harmful intentions for the 22-year-old defender, the former Burnley manager is said to have accidentally connected 'forcefully' - which left a number of first-team stars unimpressed. England international James Tarkowski was forced to step in, as he took Dyche aside to let tempers settle after Patterson had become enraged. The report goes on to claim that Dyche has since apologised to the player.

Everton spent the week away in Portugal due to not having a fixture until March 30. The Merseyside derby had initially been pencilled in at Goodison Park for Sunday but has now been rescheduled due to Liverpool's involvement in the FA Cup.

Following the training camp, Everton will now return to England in a bid to continue their push for Premier League survival. The club currently sit in 16th place in the top flight of English football, four points clear of Luton Town in 18th. The Toffees will face Bournemouth away in their next clash on March 30.