The Shields Gazette on Monday suggested that Newcastle may have to sell Papiss Cisse, and that his career was in danger at Newcastle, and now the Daily Mirror is reporting that Papiss Cisse will be sold by Newcastle.
Papiss Cisse – Wonga insisting on him wearing their insignia?
We know there’s a dispute over Cisse not wanting to wear the Wonga sign for religious reasons, but there’s a simple solution to this, and it’s that Cisse has already offered to wear a blank shirt or else wear a shirt with some Charity logo on it.
That seems a reasonable solution, and was the way Spanish club Sevilla handled a similar situation when Frederic Kanoute refused to wear a betting company logo on his shirt several years ago.
That would seem to be one way to deal with the problem, but as we mentioned earlier today, that would only be possible if Wonga agreed to it.
Wonga is paying Newcastle a reported £24M over four years – the biggest sponsor deal ever by Newcastle – and we have to think it’s Wonga who is objecting to this.
We don’t have any inside information on this, but if you look at what’s happening it’s certainly a reasonable probability, especially for the iconic Newcastle number 9 short, which Cisse wears.
And if this is true, the situation may be a lot more serious than we first thought.
Cisse was not on the flight to Portugal today and was not included in the 23 man squad for the week-long training camp, but if this Wonga deal means we will have to sell Cisse, unless he agrees to wear the Wonga insignia, that would be simply ridiculous.
This problem is nothing less than evidence that Newcastle have signed up with a company that is not respected in the UK, and certainly Newcastle fans were not happy when this sponsorship deal was announced, whatever money Newcastle were being paid over the four-year deal.
Newcastle have signed up with a company which are a pay-day lender, and these companies charge ridiculously high interest rates to poor people, who often don’t have the credit rating to qualify for normal loans
It’s something that is prohibited in many states in the US, including North Carolina where I live – because of the prohibitive interest rates being charged to the poor.
If the Wonga deal means we have to lose one of our best players, then the deal is simply not worth it.
What do you think?.
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197 comments so far
Bearsize
Jul 18, 2013 at 3:19 AM
Comment #121Sell cisse, sell shola. A striker will be attracted to nufc if he has no competition. Maybe even a good one. Deep thoughts
breadman
Jul 18, 2013 at 4:00 AM
Comment #122It’s ridiculous how he is playing in a league that is sponsored by a bank charged for fixing rates, ran by people who destroyed the economy, getting an inflated amount of money fueled by a massive amount of football betting and wore a shirt last season sponsored by a loan company and yet now he’s got a problem with it because of the % change. Loans are loans, if he wants to make a woohaa out of this, the way i see it, is just because he wants an excuse to want out. No way should we give to his demands, what will HBA, Tiote do then? Ask for similar treatments, destroying the internal spirits?!? No player is bigger than the club. Not Ginola, Not Carroll, and certainly not Cisse, especially after a dismal season that he had. Disgrace. He ought to shut up and get his ass onto the pitch and train hard for the fans who have supported him through thick and thin. Not get all personal over this.
potski
Jul 18, 2013 at 4:02 AM
Comment #123BPC
Using child labour is not a sin in the Koran, nor is driving an expensive car, nor is fixing energy prices in US by Barclays.
But one of the seven major sins in Islam is usury: the practice of making unethical or immoral monetary loans. Right up there with believing in other gods, murder, witchcraft. All cannot be forgiven and will condemn someone to hell.
Gambling and drinking are not major sins. These can be forgiven. The Koran forbids them, but they are not guaranteed to send someone to hell, if they are repentant and do other good works.
As well as Muslims not drinking and gambling themselves, Islam forbids investing in businesses which are involved in these areas. I think the other Muslims in the team could be using this as their get out – that although the strip they are wearing is advertising usury, they are not directly investing in, personally promoting or gaining from Wonga.
There are also defences in the Koran of necessity, for example a Muslim could eat pork if they were required to do it, such as if they would starve if they didn’t eat it. They might argue that although they fundamentally disagree with Wonga and think they are a sinful, that their contracts with the club don’t give them any choice but to wear the strip.
It’s quite possible that the club have told the Muslims this to try to get them to put-up with Wonga logo. I don’t believe that any of them actually “agree” with the sponsor, and would feel entirely comfortable with the shirt.
For a club that had done great things to bring Muslims into the PL and promote understanding and respect for their beliefs, this has been a complete PR disaster. I wonder how many Muslim players would consider signing for the club in future, and how is this going to enhance the clubs position in other countries?
Arguments that Cisse is in breach of contract, and can be kicked out is rubbish. We all have the right to refuse, but when someone does it for religious reasons they are protected by Human Rights.
And he doesn’t have a normal contract of employment. In any case, why would the club lose the £9 million transfer fee – they can’t end his contract and the sell him, he would be a free agent. Why do you think the thug Bowyer and the thug Barton were not sacked? What sort of message does that give about our club, that they would honour the contract of someone who went to prison for a vicious cowardly assault, but not for someone who’s beliefs cause him difficulty with this unpopular sponsor? And what does it say about some fans who would even suggest it? Are they that narrow minded in support of Ashley or against Muslims that they are prepared to disrupt the season, run the risk that we have no recognised striker and cause the club financial loss. Wonga are not paying £9 million more than another sponsor would. It’s cheaper to sack Wonga off, and that would be much more responsible and popular.
breadman
Jul 18, 2013 at 4:07 AM
Comment #124May i add, there is nothing wrong opening a bank that charges 500% interest, IF NOBODY WANTS TO BORROW THE MONEY, THEY WONT BE AS SUCESSFUL AS THEY ARE NOW. Its a choice, I am okay with them as long as they dont lend to those under 18, adults should have the mental capacity to think and make decisions, and we should respect them for that. Wonga is upfront about it, how about those banks that charges you misc fees and tell you otherwise?
breadman
Jul 18, 2013 at 4:09 AM
Comment #125Let’s not be a hypocrite and spell what’s right and wrong based on a book. Ultimately, everything in life is a choice.
Santon03
Jul 18, 2013 at 5:12 AM
Comment #126I agree with Gonz, the muslim players are fasting.
FYI (especially for Lilongwe)
Fasting month is not always the same month every year, they are using muslim calendar. They started fasting one month before ramadan, next year ramadan will be end of July.
Alan_Pardew
Jul 18, 2013 at 5:16 AM
Comment #127@ 120
Spot on potski. Great read. Well balanced comment.
gonufc (not Arf' bad)
Jul 18, 2013 at 5:17 AM
Comment #128I’m getting worried that the kanoute patch might not be ok for Cisse. There’s no way Ashley would cancel the Wonga deal: 1. It would lose him money and 2. He could never let himself be seen as capitulating to the demands of a player.
If so we’ll have Darren Bent as our main striker and that could well mean relegation.
It’s obvious now that we’re not gonna be spending any proper money this summer. It was pretty likely as soon as that insulting pretend article on a “source” telling sports direct news that Newcastle had bid for Rooney.
That was truly insulting and practically demeaning. Treated us like children he could distract and keep busy with fairy tales.
And ironically now, when he is seemingly available, there is absolutely no sound of interest at all (not that it’s likely, just shows how stupid he really thinks we are).
I’m expecting 1 ~5m signing just like last year with a few youngsters. Looks like it’s never going to be any more than that meagre offering (considering the absolute millions of pounds gained from the new T.V. deal!)
jonobbad
Jul 18, 2013 at 5:57 AM
Comment #129It says official but ive no idea if it is.
i still dont like the home shirt even if the wonga sign is black.
What do you guys think?
http://thespectatorsview.com/2013/07/17/official-puma-release-newcastle-shirt-designs/
davis_toons
Jul 18, 2013 at 6:34 AM
Comment #130Sir Bobby have manager RONALDO and he knows what a quality player got to have.
Sir Bobby is a Big name manager. He is already well learned when he come to us.
Where AP is different, the biggest club he manage was WH and his standard was far below par of our fans exception. (KK erra and BR erra)
He is just learning on here so he needed more time adapt and he needed someone to help him on his T.knowledge and coaching.
davis_toons
Jul 18, 2013 at 6:35 AM
Comment #131http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XzvUicZRpY
S.Bobby was in there together with R9.
Jail for Ashley
Jul 18, 2013 at 7:04 AM
Comment #132Cisse out 10M, Bent in 5M another 5M in the coffers, debt stays same at 130M, books show our best ever owner takes nothing out of the club.
one Tony Green
Jul 18, 2013 at 7:05 AM
Comment #133Cisse is as bad as Ashley and obviously thinks that we are thick. I have seen Cisse in Casinos, he is going out with a none believer, sleeping with his girlfriend out of marriage do me a favour. He wants out but the greedy little parasite does not want to lose a signing on fee.
Some of the people preaching on here about Wonga need to apply this to all the banks who have shafted the taxpayer royally, with the bail out, ppi scandal, libor scandal etc.
I would also hope that the I will never by a toon shirt with wonga mob on do not buy, apple or microsoft products, drink coffee from starbucks use google all corporations who have paid not a penny in tax here in the UK.
You need a job to get a Wonga loan, you know the cost before you take it out so if you are so stupid to take one that is your problem.
Barras
Jul 18, 2013 at 7:06 AM
Comment #134Cisse in not out. I think we should support him.
one Tony Green
Jul 18, 2013 at 7:11 AM
Comment #135@120 What drivel
jonobbad
Jul 18, 2013 at 7:22 AM
Comment #136Difference between wonga and virgin imo.
cisse has a bank lets say its virgin. He has his wages in and spends it how he wants.
He doesnt have to borrow money and pay back interest.
With wonga the only service you get is loans. With extremely high interest.
That is big difference.
Im not religious but i can respect our no 9s beliefs.
Surely all of this should have been thought about when we were signing the deal with wonga in the first place.
Everything we do lately makes us look like amateurs.
Still as long as we dont sign bent…
bills-son
Jul 18, 2013 at 7:25 AM
Comment #137One tony green @ 130
Another common sense post that tells it as it is.
If this is true about Cisse he is making an utter fool of himself. His duplicity in wearing a Northern Rock and Virgin shirt but not Wonga defies explanation. If his religion bans interest then it doesn’t matter what the interest rate is – just as it doesn’t matter whether you steal £10, £100 or a £1000 quid its still theft.
If Wonga allowed Cisse to wear a charity shirt they open up a can of worms that could lead to other players wanting to drop the logo in favour of their charities. Just because Kanoute was allowed to wear a charity logo doesn’t make it the roght decision or mean that Wonga should follow suit.
I respect anybody’s right to follow their religious beliefs but as you say by gambling, having sex before marriage and having already worn the shirts of momey lenders Cisse has totally lost the moral high ground if he is refusing to wear a Wonga shirt.
I am 100% with the club and Wonga on this one.
jonobbad
Jul 18, 2013 at 7:26 AM
Comment #138Its kinda like comparing my nephew with my local texaco garage because they both wash my car.
It would be interesting for a muslim fan/reader to give us their views on this.
jeff
Jul 18, 2013 at 7:28 AM
Comment #139team for next season
elliot
santon colo willo mbiwa
debuchy tiote anita
cabaye bent jonas
Jail for Ashley
Jul 18, 2013 at 7:33 AM
Comment #140I’m not going to get into the religious, political or morality of Wonga but it’s looking like yet another ill fated decision by our shambolic ownership, it’s fitting that the other club that displays the Wonga logo is owned by the despised rapist and dodgy businessman Owen Oyston
jeff
Jul 18, 2013 at 7:34 AM
Comment #141what do you think of my team jail?
toonarmydownsouth
Jul 18, 2013 at 7:35 AM
Comment #142OTG
Absolutely spot on mate
So what would the feeling be if after all this he turns up in the shirt at the start of the season with a shiny new contract in his back pocket?
Ben3arfa
Jul 18, 2013 at 7:37 AM
Comment #143Instead of signing players, the club is busy sorting out this mess
pathetic state
jeff
Jul 18, 2013 at 7:38 AM
Comment #144we should sell cisse and get bent.similar age and player type.more money.more englishmans.
jeff
Jul 18, 2013 at 7:38 AM
Comment #145we need home ingrown talent
Jail for Ashley
Jul 18, 2013 at 7:39 AM
Comment #146jeff,
You’re about as Indian as Federation export.
Toon_Tom
Jul 18, 2013 at 7:43 AM
Comment #147jeff how on earth can you say bent and cisse are “similar players” ???
Bent couldnt get a game for Villa, lost his pace and past his best.
Although Cisse’s form wasn’t consistent – he still manages to bang them in and score the goal of the season the previous year.
On his day Cisse is Class – on his day Bent is a good goal poacher!
Toon_Tom
Jul 18, 2013 at 7:44 AM
Comment #148This is how bad it is – I am starting to want to hear another interview with JFK to see what the hell he is up to!
bills-son
Jul 18, 2013 at 7:45 AM
Comment #149One thing I do agree on is that it was a bad decision to have Wonga as a sponsor. Ashley should have forseen the bad publicity that vould arise and the last thing he or the media’s joke club up North needed was more bad PR.
Imo it is the worst decision Ashley has made – if it was Llambias’s idea Ashley should have killed it. But, having entered into a contract that they have to honour it and play the piper’s tune.
Toon_Tom
Jul 18, 2013 at 7:46 AM
Comment #150bill – Bad Publicity is still Publicity… when it comes to running a business Ashley is no mug so he would have forseen all of this so muct have his reason why, to us, he would make such a shambolic decision!
jeff
Jul 18, 2013 at 7:46 AM
Comment #151no idea what ferederation export is lol.must not have it over here lol
Toon_Tom
Jul 18, 2013 at 7:47 AM
Comment #152give it up Jeff
Ben3arfa
Jul 18, 2013 at 7:48 AM
Comment #153bills
Ashley called St James Park (the Sports Direct Arena)
That scumbag doesnt realise how tacky his business practices are
cyprus
Jul 18, 2013 at 7:52 AM
Comment #154For what it’s worth, if this story is true, I’m with you on this Ed. Damn you, Wonga.
Jail for Ashley
Jul 18, 2013 at 7:54 AM
Comment #155Bills,
As decisions go, do you think it’s as bad as renaming the stadium or putting technocrat Dennis Wise in charge of footballing decisions over twice European player of the year, how about letting a dinasouar with heart problems run your team then re hiring him, what about the bold decision to weaken a team that finished fifth before a European campaign or sacking a manager who just managed to finish higher than ourselves with arguably a poorer squad …….
south coast toon
Jul 18, 2013 at 7:56 AM
Comment #156its simple you dont own the club papis were the shirt your paid to wear the only thing that should concern him is the badge on the front, thats who you play for and who pays you money, your in the barclays premier league if you dont keep up payments on your morgage you could loose your house god grow up papis if he dosent want to wear the shirt fine go fish papis
bills-son
Jul 18, 2013 at 7:58 AM
Comment #157Wonga put the name back to SJP.
The guy you call a scumbag has bought HBA, Tiote, Cabaye, Santon, Debuchy, Cisse, Mbiwa, Sissoko, given long term contracts to Krul, Colo and STaylor, screwed £35M out of Lpool for AC and paid off £130M of the clubs debts by giving the club an interest free loan.
Some scumbag.
Toon_Tom
Jul 18, 2013 at 8:02 AM
Comment #158Bills – were does Ashley get his money from – sponsors, deals and us fans so theoretically you can say WE bought all those players!
The only person we have to thanks for recent aquisitions is Carr – not Ashley.
He is a good business man but has no f’ing idea how to run a football club!
bills-son
Jul 18, 2013 at 8:03 AM
Comment #159Jail, its the worst decision he has made imo because it is irreversible for four years and its was a knocking bet from the start that it would cause big PR problems.
Having said that it will all be mostly forgotten if we have a good season. And to do that we need a holding CF, a fast winger and a big physical CH. If we dont get those I’ll slam Ashley and Kinnear if we struggle.
criticalsteve73
Jul 18, 2013 at 8:04 AM
Comment #160What would happen if all football teams used money lending/gambling sponsors would cisse not play professional football I don’t think so, I don’t agree with some of my companies policies but have to get on with them what is more confusing is why other Muslim players except the sponsor surely there religion states it’s right or wrong to support this issue not some do some don’t seems to make a mockery out of it if that’s the case