Watford midfielder given work permit

Watford midfielder Al Bangura, who was threatened with deportation back to Sierra Leone, will be allowed to remain in the UK, the British Home Office said today.

The 19-year-old faced having to return to his African homeland after he was refused asylum last year - but a hearing today granted Bangura a work permit.

A spokesman for the Home Office said: 'I can confirm that Mr Al Bangura's application for a work permit has been approved. The next stage is to apply for leave to remain in the UK.'

Supporters of the Hertfordshire club rallied to Mr Bangura's cause after his asylum application was turned down.

A campaign by fans and the local MP, Claire Ward, led to a meeting with a Home Office minister to lobby for the player.

Today a six-strong committee of three former professional football players, representatives of the Football Association, the Professional Footballers' Association and the Football League decided that Bangura was a footballer who could add to the status of the professional game in this country.

Usually players are required to represent their national side but Bangura does not qualify on these grounds, having never represented Sierra Leone.

An announcement on the club's website confirmed the decision.
Watford chairman Graham Simpson said: 'As a club we are very happy with the news, but mostly we are delighted for Al and his family.'