Bangura faces deportation threat

Watford midfielder Alhassan Bangura faces an Asylum and Immigration Tribunal on Monday to see if he can stay in the United Kingdom.

The 19-year-old came to Britain from Sierra Leone in 2003 and was given limited discretionary leave to stay.

But the Secretary of State has rejected a bid to regularise his status.

"His compassionate circumstances clearly warrant his continued stay in the United Kingdom," said club legal representative, Chris Pelentrides.

"He has built up his life, having established great ties here, including a family life with his partner and a profession."

Watford MP Clare Ward said the threat to Bangura was "harsh and unfair".

She told BBC 3CR: "This is a young man who came to this country under very difficult circumstances and as an under-18."

"He clearly has an incredible talent which has been spotted and in that sense he was fortunate.

"He has made a very good life for himself and is a significant contributor to the UK economy and to my local economy as a constituent."

Bangura has made 24 league starts for the Hornets, scoring once, since joining the club in April 2005.

Source: BBC Sport