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Ba's Arsenal comments 'lost in translation'

Demba Ba will not be punished by Newcastle for his comments © Getty Images

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Newcastle will not fine striker Demba Ba after he told them comments suggesting that he was interested in a move to Arsenal had been mistranslated.

In an interview with French broadcasting company Canal+ this week, Ba - who has a £7.5 million release clause in his contract, which can be activated in January - appeared to suggest he would be interested in a transfer to the Gunners.

He was quoted as saying: "The media know Arsenal need another striker and they know about my release clause. They need to make their own mind up about it.

"Arsenal are one of those teams who makes you dream".

But the 27-year-old has since explained to Magpies manager Alan Pardew that what he said had not been properly translated, and Pardew has said the forward will not be fined.

Ba, who has scored 11 goals despite Newcastle's struggle for form this season, has so far rejected the club's offer of a new deal.

"It's unfortunate that the contract he has raises a lot of questions," Pardew said.

"It would be disappointing for Demba to leave in this window for this club and for his team-mates, but the decision will be his because that clause is there."

Pardew stressed that he was happy with Ba's commitment and work-rate, and added: "There will be no disciplinary process against him. His interview in France was not translated correctly. I've got no problem with anything he said."

The manager has called on his players to "start winning and start showing that we want to win" as they look to end a run of only one win in 11 games at home to QPR.

Rangers, who secured their first win of the season at home to Fulham last weekend, would move to within four points of Newcastle if they could notch a second successive victory.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.