Newcastle United fine Yohan Cabaye for missing games

Yohan Cabaye in action for Newcastle United against Fulham

Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has clarified that star player Yohan Cabaye has been slapped with a fine by the club after deliberately missing the clubs opening matches, ESPN FC reports.

The 27-year-old had attracted interest from Arsenal this season and the London club even submitted a bid rumoured to be in the reign of £10 million for the player. Newcastle turned down the Gunners’ offer which had upset Cabaye who then refused to feature for Newcastle in their opening games as a mark of protest.

Arsenal then shifted their interest to Mesut Ozil and Cabaye remained a Newcastle United player.

The French international was in the starting line-up for the Magpies’ match against Aston Villa after previously coming off the bench in the match versus Fulham. Pardew has stated that the problem has now been laid to rest and that the player will be a regular for Newcastle this season.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Pardew said: “He’s also been disciplined for his actions this week and he accepted it in good faith. As far as I’m concerned I think it would be nice this week if our 52,000 give him the support he now deserves for at least apologising for that and taking the punishment that came with it.”

“Its a signal to players here and players elsewhere that until a contract is signed with another club there is a responsibility with the club you’re at. He’s a fantastic player not just for us but also France and I know he’s going to have a fantastic season.”

“His performance last week [against Aston Villa] spoke a thousand words. He didn’t really need to do that to win over the fans and I think his endeavour was our top coverage in running last week and that shows where he was at considering he hasn’t played for a while. Newcastle fans want to see him pull on the shirt and perform. I just want Yohan to perform to the best of his abilities ,trust me he’s a fabulous player and important to us.”