Former Newcastle United man David Ginola has pleaded with the club's fans to forgive Yohan Cabaye.

The Frenchman reportedly went on strike towards the end of the summer in order to force through a transfer to Arsenal, after the Magpies turned down an offer from the Gunners for the player.

However, Cabaye has since remained on Tyneside and Ginola feels that the supporters should put the saga behind them.

"He's a great player - he's done really good for the club," Ginola told reporters.

"You have to put things in perspective. Sometimes you make a mistake and you have to be forgiven for that.

"As soon as he steps back on the football pitch at St James' Park he will wear the zebra shirt and that will be it, he will be back on track."

Cabaye looks poised to feature for Newcastle against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Written by
Matt Cotton