Newcastle´s Shelvey hit with five-match ban

Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has been banned for five matches and fined £100,000 for being found guilty of using abusive words with reference to ethnicity.

Shelvey was charged by the Football Association (FA) in November over the incident involving Wolves’ Morocco international Romain Saiss.

The former Liverpool and Swansea City man pleaded not guilty, but has now been penalised after the case against him was proven.

An FA statement read: “The Newcastle United player was charged with using abusive and/or insulting words towards an opponent in the 87th minute of the game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday 17 September 2016.

“It was further alleged that this breach of Rule E3(1) was an “Aggravated Breach” as defined in Rule E3(2), as it included reference to ethnic origin and/or race and/or nationality. 

“The player, who denied the charge at an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing, was also ordered to attend an FA education course.

“The sanction has been set aside pending consideration for an appeal. Any appeal must be lodged within seven days from receipt of written reasons which will be produced in due course.”

Shelvey has made 26 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring three goals.

Rafael Benitez’s men are one point clear of Brighton and Hove Albion at the top of the Championship as they seek an immediate return to the Premier League.

Shelvey will miss league matches against Sheffield Wednesday, Nottingham Forest, Blackburn Rovers and Brentford, as well as the FA Cup clash with Birmingham City.