Toon Joy As Martins Faces Ban!

Last updated : 07 February 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

... because Newcastle had a tough fixture with Liverpool on Saturday. And it sparked a major row, with Nigeria coach Austin Eguavoen insisting the striker played in the friendly with Ghana (a match they lost 4-1).

Newcastle cleared Martins to play ... after Nigeria threatened action against them ... but the player failed to turn up for the match.

Eguavoen says he plans to take the matter "to the highest authority", and it looks odds-on the Newcastle player will get an international ban. Which can only be good news to Roeder and Newcastle United.

Eguavoen: "Martins, to my great surprise, was not here. He was called up to the squad two weeks ago, and Newcastle allowed him to play.

"He is nowhere to be found. I should take it to the highest authority, because it is the highest level of indiscipline and disrespect."