Newcastle United create prayer room for Muslim players to worship before ga

[Jango]

ootball stars looking for divine intervention in a bid for victory now have a prayer room at their stadium.

Newcastle United provided the area for Muslim players to worship before matches.

An insider said: “We believe we now have more Muslims in our first team squad than any other team in the Premier League, so it is *important to look after them.

"They have been using various rooms at the ground to worship before games. Now they will get a proper prayer room.”

Seven first team stars – Papiss Cisse, Cheick Tiote, Hatem Ben Arfa, Massadio Haidara, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Moussa Sissoko and Mehdi Abeid – are devout followers of Islam.

And former striker Demba Ba, now with Chelsea, would often lead team-mates in prayer before games.

The insider added: “Prayer has become an *important part of the build up to big games.

“Demba was the most devout of all the players. He would regularly pray before big games, and be joined by team-mates. It helped build a bond between them.”

The prayer room can be used by players of all faiths, the club said.

No doubt fans will be praying for a win tonight when Toon take on Benfica in the Europa League quarter final, their biggest game so far.

Newcastle United create prayer room for Muslim players to worship before games - Mirror Online

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Nice gesture, good move Newcastle.