Change of Toon: Newcastle and Cisse make peace in Wonga row
NEWCASTLE rebel Papiss Cisse is expected to rejoin the squad today after resolving a row with the club over his refusal to advertise short-term loans company Wonga.
The Senegal centre-forward had declared his objection to wearing shirts emblazoned with the lenders’ branding, arguing that it contradicted his Muslim beliefs.
But the 28-year-old, who has scored 26 goals since arriving in January 2012, yesterday reached an agreement with Magpies chiefs, following lengthy discussions involving players’ union the PFA.
The resolution came just days after photographs surfaced purporting to show Cisse at a casino’s blackjack table. Gambling is also forbidden under Islamic doctrine.
Wonga agreed a four-year deal with Newcastle, thought to be worth £24m, to replace Virgin Money as sponsor from next season.