FORMER Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has revealed why he axed cult hero Hatem Ben Arfa from the first team.
Ben Arfa joined the Magpies in a permanent transfer from Marseille in 2011 and quickly became a fan favourite.
He showed flashes of brilliance throughout his stay at St. James’ Park but struggled with consistency, largely due to a series of injury problems.
The attacking midfielder eventually joined Hull City on a short-term loan before being released by Newcastle in January 2015.
Ex-manager Pardew has now revealed why Ben Arfa didn’t always play despite being such a “talent”.
Speaking on talkSPORT, the 63-year-old said: “Unfortunately for Hatem – who was an unbelievable talent and if you asked which player you’d want to give the ball to to beat two defenders of the players I’ve had in the past it would be him – but I did not play him all the time.
“He antagonised staff and players. He had this way of upsetting the camp. His defensive work was zero. But he was a tremendous talent on the ball.”
After leaving Newcastle, Ben Arfa joined French side Nice in a free transfer and was able to reignite his career.
He scored 18 goals and provided seven assists in his first full season at the club.
His impressive form saw him earn a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
The midfielder has since played for Rennes, Real Valladolid, Bordeaux and Lille.
However, Ben Arfa has been without a club for the last two years.
He left Lille on a sour note back in 2022 after falling out with several team-mates and then-manager Jocelyn Gourvennec.
SunSport has contacted Ben Arfa for comment.
