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Craig HillPoor Ben Arfa.. poor Newcastle!
July 21st 2011 08:52
It seems that a force grandeur 'has it in' for the Toon Army, as they embark on their tour of the states, with three friendly fixtures against Sporting Kansas City, Orlando City and Columbus Crew on the schedule.
First, Joey Barton, 28, was refused a VISA due to his criminal past. Having been jailed for 74 days in 2008 after admitting committing an assault in Liverpool in December, 2007, he was told that he would not be able to make the trip to the States. Instead, he travelled to Holland with Peter Beardsley and the Reserve team to face Hollandia, Utrecht and Almere City.
Secondly, Nile Ranger, 20, was denied his VISA after having spent 11 weeks in a young offenders home for his part in an armed robbery in 2006.
Thirdly, Newcastle's new signing from Lille, Yohan Cabaye, was refused his VISA initially based on claims he had unpaid dentisty work outstanding following his last visit to the States with his former club. Though this ruling was later overturned, with the 3-week period for re-application to go through, there was not enough time remaining for him to make the trip, and so he also links up with Joey and Nile in Holland.
For the final piece of bad luck, it was the turn of Hatem Ben Arfa to say goodbye to 'the Lads', after being stretchered off during the 0-0 draw in the first fixture with Sporting Kansas City. He lasted just 30 minutes before a challenge from Roger Espinoza put an end to his tour, his left ankle requiring a precautionary X-ray. The injury will be monitored over the next 48 hours, and will be treated with caution after he missed all but 4 games of last season with a double leg fracture since turning his season-long loan permanent.
First, Joey Barton, 28, was refused a VISA due to his criminal past. Having been jailed for 74 days in 2008 after admitting committing an assault in Liverpool in December, 2007, he was told that he would not be able to make the trip to the States. Instead, he travelled to Holland with Peter Beardsley and the Reserve team to face Hollandia, Utrecht and Almere City.
Secondly, Nile Ranger, 20, was denied his VISA after having spent 11 weeks in a young offenders home for his part in an armed robbery in 2006.
Thirdly, Newcastle's new signing from Lille, Yohan Cabaye, was refused his VISA initially based on claims he had unpaid dentisty work outstanding following his last visit to the States with his former club. Though this ruling was later overturned, with the 3-week period for re-application to go through, there was not enough time remaining for him to make the trip, and so he also links up with Joey and Nile in Holland.
For the final piece of bad luck, it was the turn of Hatem Ben Arfa to say goodbye to 'the Lads', after being stretchered off during the 0-0 draw in the first fixture with Sporting Kansas City. He lasted just 30 minutes before a challenge from Roger Espinoza put an end to his tour, his left ankle requiring a precautionary X-ray. The injury will be monitored over the next 48 hours, and will be treated with caution after he missed all but 4 games of last season with a double leg fracture since turning his season-long loan permanent.
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