"Jack Colback Reveals Rafa Benitez Stopped Him from Visiting Sick Kids in Hospital During Newcastle Standoff"

JACK COLBACK has revealed how boss Rafa Benitez BANNED him from visiting sick children in a Newcastle hospital.

The former Toon and star, 36, was the last man to directly cross the fierce Tyne-Wear divide in 2014.

Jack Colback revealed manager Rafa Benitez banned him from visiting sick kids in a Newcastle hospital Colback played under Benitez at Newcastle until he fell out of favour Ex-Sunderland star Colback was the last man to directly cross the Tyne-Wear divide

But was frozen out by then-Magpies chief Benitez after they had won the Championship in 2017.

He told SunSport: “Rafa pulled me in a week before the transfer window shut and said if I didn’t leave, I’d be with the Under-23s.

“I questioned why he told me so late because I’d had the opportunity to go to Wolves.

“It was never an issue for me being p****d off with him for not wanting me. It was the way it was done. I was put with the 23s, left off the squad photo and even hospital visits.

“That’s when it goes beyond football. Those visits meant so much to the children. When you see kids who are not well, you realise what’s actually important.

“To be blocked from doing that, on a human level, was just wrong. I felt I could’ve remained professional even if he didn’t want to play me — but he didn’t want that.

“If I’m being honest, as a manager, was not as good as I thought he’d be. You expect more from someone who has won what he’s won.”

Former midfielder Colback made 136 appearances for Sunderland before playing 102 games for .

He has now hung up his boots after a career that saw him win promotion with and play for Queens Park Rangers.

Ahead of Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby, he remains proud of his decision to cross the divide — even though he is still remembered as a “traitor” by Sunderland fans.

His move came months after scoring an iconic goal for the Black Cats in a 3-0 win against Newcastle.

But Colback walked a gauntlet of hate upon his return to the Stadium of Light in black and white.

He said: “There was a flag of me being hung by a noose. I knew I was going to get stick — but wasn’t going to lose sleep about people branding me a traitor. I was more bothered about Newcastle fans taking to me.

“I didn’t make that move to rub Sunderland up the wrong way. It was a decision based on what was best for me football-wise. I was out of contract and had been talking to the club about a new deal.

“I’d done all the incentive contracts as a young player — but I was now playing week-in week-out and wanted to feel valued. That never came. So you explore other options and it was Newcastle and West Ham who came in.

“It was a tough decision but as a boy from Newcastle, I felt I’d regret not taking that chance. I wish I’d left Sunderland on better terms, but I’m proud I had the courage.”

One of the most iconic moments in Tyne-Wear derby history was former Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio knee-sliding at St James’ Park during Sunderland’s 3-0 win in 2013.

It was only Di Canio’s second game in a fiery six-month spell, where he infamously banned ketchup and mayo from the training ground — and fell out with players.

‘Ginger Pirlo’

The Italian claimed Colback could become “the best left-back in the country”.

Colback laughed: “He was off his head — but I did a good job for him there. Paolo became a Sunderland legend overnight with that celebration. He brought passion and high standards.

“You’d go into the gym and he’d already be there in a front plank, sweat dripping, just staring at the lads as they fell over.

“He’d run laps with you until he was sick. I had respect for him as a player, but as a manager, it was never going to work out.”

Shortly after his move to Toon, Roy Hodgson called him up to the squad, branding him the “Ginger Pirlo”, while Newcastle boss Alan Pardew compared him to 1966 World Cup-winner Alan Ball.

Unfortunately Colback withdrew from the Three Lions due to injury and never got another call-up.

But he enjoyed working with Pardew and Steve McClaren before Benitez took charge at St James’.

Crossing the Tyne-Wear divide

He said: “Pardew had the b******s to sign me from Sunderland and put his head on the block. I always respected him for that.

“Steve was a really good coach and we played some great stuff but didn’t get results. He was probably too nice.”

Colback made his home Prem debut for Sunderland in a 1-1 derby draw in 2011.

He won three of his six derbies with the Mackems — but failed to win any for Newcastle.

He has been impressed with both teams this season. Sunderland look safe in their first season back in the Prem, while he believes should not be under pressure at Newcastle — despite their indifferent league form and crashing out of the Champions League on Wednesday.

He said: “Perspective is needed because when I was at Newcastle we got relegated — whereas they won the Carabao Cup last season and have just been playing Barcelona in the Champions League. Fans should stick with Eddie.

“With Sunderland, they have surprised everyone. You’d have Newcastle’s team over Sunderland — but they didn’t turn up at the Stadium of Light earlier in the season. I’m going for a score draw.”