Or the welder's torch, or something...
from todays Ronnie:

NEW boy Daniel Cordone has been ordered to remove his earrings by the Football Association - even though they are soldered on.

And the Newcastle United striker's pleas to be allowed to keep them have fallen on deaf ears.

Cordone - dubbed the Wolf Man by fans by in his native Argentina - is some sight when he takes the field with his long locks in a hair net and two rings in each ear.

Instructed

But Steve Lodge, who handled the opener against Manchester United at Old Trafford last Sunday, was not impressed and spoke to United officials.

Cordone then had to present himself in front of referee Dermot Gallagher before Wednesday night's game with Derby County at St James's Park.

And like Lodge, Gallagher was not too happy.

As a result, the FA has instructed United that Cordone's earrings have to be removed.

United boss Bobby Robson said: "We have had a letter from the FA and I have spoken to Cordone about it.

"The bottom two come out but the top two don't. However, he is going to get them out.

"The problem is they are sort of permanent because they are welded in. He's going to have to have them out but I don't know how.

"He's had them since he was a kid.

"We have had a letter because the referee reported Cordone following the Manchester United game.

"They made us aware of the regulations which say no player will be allowed to turn out if there is any danger to himself or a danger to anyone else and which state all jewellery must be removed.

Joked

"I have spoken to Cordone and he realises they will have to be removed but don't ask me how."

Then the United boss joked: "I suppose they are going to have to take half his ear off!"

However, Robson was deadly serious when he said of the player who scored on his home debut in midweek: "Cordone may have trouble with his ears but fortunately there is nothing wrong with his feet."

-- Anonymous, August 26, 2000

Answers

Great Story that, and another great performance by him today. it wouldn't be a bad idea to tie up a permanent deal with Racing club. If he carries on like this then they will try to increase the asking price. Toady's second best player on the pitch.

-- Anonymous, August 26, 2000

I'm sure he's not the only one to play wearing earrings. Doesn't Cole have one (or two)?

-- Anonymous, August 27, 2000

Cole's are through his nose.

-- Anonymous, August 27, 2000

Rik,

I'm sure I read somewhere that the deal with Racing is different to what has been reported in the Press, but I'm damned if I can remember where I saw it.

While I couldn't swear to it, I seem to recall that he's here for two seasons - if we want to keep him for the 2nd season. I also seem to recall that a fee for a permanent transfer beyond that has also been agreed.
Hope I'm not hallucinating again - those barbecue fumes can do funny things to your brain, so I'm told.

-- Anonymous, August 27, 2000