Newcastle United have expressed their disapproval at an employment tribunal's decision to back Jonas Gutierrez's disability discrimination claim against the club.
The tribunal ruled that the Magpies dismissed the player because of his cancer diagnosis and denied him the chance to trigger a contract extension through appearances following his return to fitness.
The Newcastle hierarchy said that they were "dismayed" by the ruling and are consulting with their legal team to explore the available options.
"We recognise that the task facing the tribunal was a difficult one, but we are dismayed by its decision," reads a club statement.
"We will now take time to consider the judgement in full and consult with our legal team to understand the options available to us."
The date of a remedy hearing to determine how much compensation Gutierrez is entitled to is yet to be set.
