I dont see what the fuss is about.
He had a day off which was unpaid. He still has that days holiday, so he can now book and take that some other time.
It seems the company is being a bit churlish, the guy made an effort to explain -he couldve just rung in sick.
Pragmatism.
Unfortunately, it's been on the decline for a few years, whether due to poor management, or lack of independent thought.