Alexander Isak should be blocked from representing Sweden in the international break after refusing to play for Newcastle.That’s the opinion of talkSPORT’s Andy Townsend, who has reacted to the news that Isak had been called up by his country. Isak has been called up by Sweden despite not featuring since MayGettyBut Andy Townsend believes Isak should be blocked from playing for his countryThe striker will be part of the Swedish squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Kosovo.His inclusion comes despite his decision to refuse to play for Newcastle amid his ongoing transfer saga. Isak wants to leave the Magpies this summer and has taken the stance that he won’t feature for the club again as he looks to force an exit, with Liverpool massively interested.The Swede has not played in either of Eddie Howe‘s sides’ opening Premier League games and is currently training alone. It has meant that he’s yet to take the pitch since May, but he will be representing Sweden next week during the international break.However, the fact that Isak is allowed to play for his country is something that has greatly irked Townsend.“There should be rules in place that prevent that from happening,” the ex-Chelsea man said on talkSPORT Drive.“He’s had no desire to play for Newcastle, to want to even train, as we are all aware of and think is the situation. “If that’s the case…if you don’t want to go to work and if you don’t want to play in pre-season friendlies or when the club ask you to play, then why should you be allowed to go and play for your country because it suits you, because you feel you’re entitled to? “I’m very serious here, I don’t think that should be allowed. I’m amazed that there aren’t things in place from governing bodies like FIFA and UEFA to prevent that from happening.”Isak will play for Sweden after refusing to feature for NewcastleGettyTownsend added: “I don’t think you should, if you’ve got a beef with your club that you can’t resolve and you end up refusing to play, well I’m sorry, that should rule you out of everything.”Co-host Andy Goldstein then raised the point of whether an issue at a club should impact anything on the international stage. But Townsend stuck by his position and explained why he thinks there is a connection between the two.“Because you’re refusing to play,” he said. “Having an issue, a personal problem, is an everyday occurrence at a football club, there are problems across the board at every single club.“But you cannot refuse to play if you are a footballer and if you refuse to play, then you shouldn’t be allowed to go and play somewhere else because it suits you. “I think it’s absolutely outrageous. Newcastle pay Alexander Isak an awful lot of money for his services, he was very happy to sign a contract. Yes, things have broken down, just don’t refuse to play and then he can go and play for Sweden.”Isak released a statement on the ongoing situation on August 19Why is Alexander Isak refusing to play?Isak released a statement on August 19 explaining the reason for his current refusal to play for Newcastle. His revealing post, which the club were not aware was being posted, read: “I’ve kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken. “That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn’t reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors.“The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading.“When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue. That’s where things are for me right now – and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself.” Isak referenced broken promises as the reason why he cannot continue to play for Newcastle and wants a move away.The 25-year-old is believed to be speaking about his expected contract offer last summer at St. James’ Park. He was told that a new deal would be handed to him, but it never came and it meant he’s yet to move onto a big-money contract, remaining not the club’s highest earner. Amanda Staveley is understood to have promised Isak the deal, but she then departed Newcastle as co-owner.Paul Mitchell came in as sporting director and opted against any talks due to the fact he has three years left on his current deal. Isak wanted £300,000 per week to sign a fresh deal, but it appears that that offer won’t be coming with the relationship broken.