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Cabaye questions Newcastle drinking culture

Yohan Cabaye is already a popular figure among Newcastle supporters © PA Photos

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France international midfielder Yohan Cabaye has criticised the drinking habits of some of his Newcastle United team-mates.

Cabaye, a summer signing from French champions Lille, has made a positive impression on Tyneside so far this season - with his first goal for the club at the weekend earning all three points against Wigan Athletic.

The Magpies have made a bright start to the current campaign, confounding some pre-season sceptics, but the 25-year-old has questioned the alcohol intake of some of his colleagues between matches, warning that he fears fans will see it as a lack of professionalism.

"That is something I'd only do at home. Why go out and do something like that in front of everyone?" Cabaye said to The Sun. "It's fine to go out once in a while but not every weekend.

"Here in England, if you like to go out and you do not have a stable family around you, then things can soon go off the rails.

"Newcastle treat you as grown-up and let you run your life. Players are policed far less than at French clubs. There is a completely different approach here.

"If you meet other players in the street, or even within the club, you wonder if they really are professionals."

Cabaye has no problem with the level of commitment shown on the pitch, but nevertheless has found the post-match atmosphere in the changing room at St James' Park far different to what he is used to.

"On the pitch they give their all. They're 100 per cent focused on football and getting the result," he added. "But once the game is over, irrespective of whether they have played well or not, they are all joking and singing."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.