Watford's Al Bangura faces deportation to Sierra Leone after losing his case to stay in the UK at an Asylum and Immigration Tribunal hearing.
The 19-year-old, who became a father only nine days ago, will launch an immediate appeal against the decision, with the full support of his club.
He arrived from Sierra Leone four years ago, escaping civil war, and was given limited discretionary leave to stay.
But now the Home Office will initiate moves to remove him from the country.
Watford manager Aidy Boothroyd told BBC Radio 5 Live: "It is an incredible decision, absolutely ludicrous.
"We hear about things all the time where we vote to elect people to power and then we presume and hope that they will put civil servants in place who will do a good job.
"I hope common sense does prevail. We have the opportunity to appeal - we have 10 days to do that, which takes us up to Christmas. We will be appealing because we think it is a ridiculous decision.
Bangura loses deportation hearing
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Doughnut Boy Andy
Bangura loses deportation hearing
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