• Premier League

Newcastle confirm Ben Arfa leg break

ESPNsoccernet staff
October 3, 2010
Hatem Ben Arfa was carried off © PA Photos
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Newcastle have confirmed that Hatem Ben Arfa will undergo surgery on Monday on the broken leg he suffered during the Magpies' 2-1 defeat at Manchester City.

Ben Arfa, on loan from Marseille, had to be given oxygen on the field after a tackle from Nigel de Jong and was subsequently taken straight to hospital.

"It seems as if he's got a broken leg," Hughton told ESPN. "The news is not good. When something like that happens and then to have some incredible decisions go against us, it's hard to take."

He added: "He has gone to hospital and we will make an announcement in due course but it looks like he has broken his leg. Everyone will have their own opinion but it was a tackle that did not need to be made."

Hughton was unhappy that City were awarded a penalty when Mike Williamson challenged Carlos Tevez, and his frustration increased as Newcastle failed to earn a penalty as Shola Ameobi appeared to be brought down by Joleon Lescott.

"We come here knowing it is going to be hard enough, but two horrendous decisions went against us," Hughton said. "My first view was that Mike Williamson played the ball and that the initial contact is outside the penalty box."

Speaking about the second incident, he said: "Absolutely (it is a penalty). We've already seen it. Lescott loses his footing and of course - absolute penalty."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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