Boothroyd slams Bangura outcome

Boothroyd: Not happy

Rather than these pen pushes someone higher up, perhaps Jacqui Smith the home secretary could look at it and make a decent decision rather than the one we have got.

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Watford manager Adrian Boothroyd described the decision to turn down Al Bangura's application to stay in the United Kingdom as 'ludicrous'.

Bangura, who arrived in Britain in 2003 after escaping war-torn Sierra Leone, has failed in his bid to stay in the country.

The player and club are now appealing the decision which could mean he has to leave the country.

"He came over as a 15-year-old boy, he escaped two civil wars and he got a lucky break in life as he was scouted by a football club," explained Boothroyd to Sky Sports News.

Annoyed

"After the immigration hearing I said I had a faith in the British justice but obviously I was totally mistaken as it is a completely ludicrous decision, this country great as it once was seems to allow anyone in for benefit as they fancy and we have one young man here who pays his taxes, has a fiancée, a new-born son and they expect him to go back to Sierra Leone - it is ridiculous.

"I can't go into too much detail, but we have been sent a document for the reasons why and we are appealing - rather than these pen pushers someone higher up, perhaps Jacqui Smith the home secretary could look at it and make a decent decision rather than the one we have got.

"He is deeply disappointed. He thought his life had changed for the better and as I have said before, you put faith in the system and it comes back to haunt you. We are all disappointed and he is having to be consoled.

"We have ten days to appeal and we are working hard, and of course we are trying to go to Jacqui Smith but that is easier said than done but we hope common sense will prevail.

"He is a terrific young player, very talented and he will be a big, big player for us in the future - but this is more than football."