Muslim players 'may boycott Newcastle shirt'

Newcastle United's sponsorship deal with loan company Wonga could prove contentious with the club's Muslim players, a religious organisation has warned. The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has stated that wearing shirts with Wonga's logo on could infringe Islamic law, placing some of the club's players in difficulty.

However, they have denied telling the players not to wear the shirts and said it will be up to them to decide what they do.

In their last game, Newcastle fielded four players who are practising Muslims - Hatem Ben Arfa, Demba Ba, Cheick Tiote and Papiss Cisse.

Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra, assistant secretary general of the MCB, said Islamic law teaches that earning interest on money is not allowed.

He said: "Islam does not treat money like a commodity that you can trade like food or clothing. For example I cannot lend L100 and then take back L120. (continue reading...)