AL Bangura has had his application for leave of stay in the United Kingdom turned down by the Asylum and Immigration Authorities.

Bangura, 19, learned the news late yesterday afternoon and will now be forced to contemplate a mandatory return to Sierra Leone in the very near future.

The news comes as a devastating blow for the likeable Bangura, who became a father for the first time just nine days ago.

However, Al, with the full support of Watford Football Club, will be launching an immediate appeal to this latest decision.

Iain Moody, Head of Football Operations at the Club said: "This is terrible news for Al and a big shock to everyone at Watford FC. We are very sad and disappointed that he has not been granted leave to remain in the UK.

"The home office will shortly initiate moves to immediately remove him from the country and as such we have instructed our legal advisors to begin preparing an appeal to this decision.

"This is a significant setback for Al and his family but we will continue to fight this case and have full confidence that common sense and justice will prevail and that Al will be allowed to continue his life in this country.

"We have been very fortunate that we have been able to count on the support of Watford MP, Claire Ward, in making representations to the Home Office on Al's behalf and we look forward to continue working together with her on this."

Bangura was trafficked from Sierra Leone at the age of 15 and upon arrival in the United Kingdom was subject to a sexual attack, before seeking refuge as an unaccompanied minor.

Since that time Bangura has worked hard to build a social and domestic life, create a stable environment for his family and contribute hugely to society through not only his football, but also his voluntary community work.

Bangura fears a return to his homeland, where personal circumstances dictate his life may be under threat from the Soko tribe, whom his late father was once head of.

Bangura knows of no immediate family in Sierra Leone and would be forced to leave behind his girlfriend and nine-day old son Samal.

If Bangura is forced to return to Sierra Leone - as is now a real possibility - he will also be unable to continue to play football at the same professional level and would be highly unlikely to gain a work permit to return to the United Kingdom on business as Sierra Leone are ranked outside the top 70 nations, whilst Bangura has also never featured for his home nation.

Bangura is currently injured and hasn't featured for the Hornets since captaining the side at Southend in late August. It was in that fixture that Bangura broke his ulna (elbow) and since returning from that setback has found himself sidelined further with a serious ankle injury.