The international career of Albion striker Tomer Hemed is under a cloud.

Israel have suspended him after he hit out in a newspaper interview over his exclusion from the starting line-up by coach Elisha Levi from Friday's World Cup qualifying defeat in Spain.

Hemed and team-mate Ariel Harush have been banned from Israel's matches in June against Albania and Moldova.

A statement said "Their possible return to the team will be tested only later."

Hemed was brought on in the second half when Israel were already 3-0 down. Harush was also unhappy not to be picked for the 4-1 defeat in Gijon.

A statement by Levi said: "In the past 48 hours, two national team players, Ariel Harush and Tomer Hemed, have allowed themselves to make public criticism, in addition to the personal frustration they expressed.

"There was also unacceptable criticism of the professional level and the members of the dressing room room and damage to the social fabric of the team.

"Those who dare to express slightest criticism of the coach's considerations and the minutes given to them should be more careful about the Israeli team.

"I have made it clear that in any case where there is inappropriate behaviour by a selected player, the necessary decisions will be made.

"Therefore, I am suspending Harush and Hamed from the Israeli national team in the matches against Moldova and Albania."

Hemed's anguish made front page headlines in Israel.

He was quoted as saying: "I have had enough. I am disappointed with Elisha. I should be in the starting line-up."

Hemed has endured a frustrating season with Albion, playing second fiddle for the most part to the re-signed Glenn Murray after finishing top scorer last season.

The 29-year-old target man has still contributed ten goals in 15 starts and 14 substitute appearances in the Championship.

The Argus revealed last week that Hemed's Albion and Israel colleague Beram Kayal had been sent home ahead of the Spain game with a throat infection and high temperature.