• Premier League

Cisse to meet Newcastle over sponsor worries

ESPN staff
June 13, 2013
Papiss Cisse has concerns that Newcastle's new sponsor will compromise his Muslim faith © Getty Images
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Papiss Cisse and Newcastle United must work to find a solution to the striker's concerns over the club's new shirt sponsor.

Senegal striker Cisse, of Muslim faith, is reportedly worried that wearing the logo of high-interest 'payday lender' Wonga would compromise his beliefs.

The PFA's deputy chief, Bobby Barnes, told the BBC he hopes the club and the player can reach an agreement once Cisse returns from international duty.

"We're all aware that clubs need to generate revenue and sometimes have to use a wide range of companies," Barnes said.

"However, if someone feels very, very strongly that it's not compatible with their beliefs, then some sort of solution should be found.

"He's been fantastic player at Newcastle and I'd like to think they would want to do as much they could do for him to continue scoring the goals without compromising his beliefs."

Newcastle's deal with Wonga, believed to be worth as much as £8 million a year, will see the firm replace Virgin Money as the club's shirt sponsor from next season. As part of the deal, agreed last year, Wonga also purchased the naming rights of Newcastle's ground, but opted to revert back to the stadium's traditional name of St James' Park after fans voiced their disapproval.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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