US bans Cardiff duo Tomlin and Madine from pre-season tour to America because of criminal convictions

CARDIFF CITY’S pre-season hopes have suffered a blow after both Lee Tomlin and Gary Madine were refused entry to America.

The duo will miss the Bluebirds’ pre-season tour of the States due to visa issues.

According to PA, they have had to stay in Wales due to USA’s strict policy on visa applications.

Attacker Tomlin, 30, admitted affray in January 2017 and was ordered to perform 80 hours’ community service after an incident outside a Leicester nightclub.

And striker Madine, 28, was handed an 18-month jail sentence in 2013 for assaulting two fans in separate Sheffield attacks.

He spent four-and-a-half months behind bars.

Tomlin and Madine are now joining up with Cardiff’s U23 squad instead and are expected to feature in their upcoming friendly matches in Devon and Cornwall.

Both players are aiming to rebuild their careers in the Welsh capital after struggling to make an impact under Neil Warnock during last season’s Premier League relegation campaign.

Each was sent out on loan, with Tomlin heading to former club Peterborough and Madine helping Sheffield United seal promotion to the top-flight.

However, Warnock has told them they will be involved over the coming months as he aims to guide his side back to the Prem at the first attempt.

Cardiff flew out to the US today and will face USL Championship teams San Antonio FC and New Mexico United.

They then travel to Canada and will finish their three-game tour with match against La Liga outfit Real Valladolid in Edmonton.

Cardiff begin life back in the Championship with a trip to Wigan on Saturday 3 August.