Newcastle city councillor Dipu Ahad has admitted that he is "ashamed" to learn that striker Papiss Cisse could have been caught gambling in a casino.

A photograph emerged on Twitter appearing to show the Newcastle United forward placing bets at a casino, despite his Muslim beliefs condemning such actions.

The picture has sparked controversy due to the player's unwillingness to wear the logo of sponsors pay-day loan company Wonga on the club's shirt as it is against his religion.

"I feel absolutely ashamed of what he's done, there's not just me there's been other people who've been supporting him," Ahad told the BBC. "But what he's done now, seeing him in the casino, even if he wasn't gambling, I think this gives a wrong message.

"People will say, 'look, this is Islam they can pick and choose whatever they want', and Islam isn't about picking and choosing."

Aspers Casino, where Cisse was allegedly pictured, are believed to have confirmed that the striker is an 'occasional visitor'.