The Magpies also confirmed that, as they did with Craig Bellamy who was sent off five minutes into the same game for kicking out at Marco Materazzi, they will deal with Shearer internally if they feel there is a case to be answered.

“Following careful consideration and in full agreement with the player and the manager, the club have decided not to appeal against Alan Shearer’s two-match ban from UEFA Champions League matches,” said a club spokesman.

“If any disciplinary action is taken this will be dealt with privately between the club and the player.”

With Welshman Bellamy also facing a ban, United will find themselves attempting to once again revive their European campaign without two of the men who did so much to get them there in the first place.

Match referee Stephane Bre did not see the incident involving Shearer and Cannavaro, and UEFA took into account the Italian’s provocation as the pair waited for a free-kick to be delivered into the Inter penalty area.

Shearer was dismayed that the incident, which was one of several in the game, was looked at by disciplinary chief and he mounted a robust defence.

“Remember, he had me in a bear hug and I tried as best I could to get loose,” he said as the panel considered the evidence.

“That’s the way they’re brought up to defend from a very early age.

“The referee saw what went on and called us over and chose to take no action.

“When he called us over he said in good English ‘I’ll have no more from the both of you – now both go back into the middle’.

“I’m not complaining about the way they defend because it’s an art, a wrestling match. I’m a big fan of Italian defenders. They’re the best, and it’s a man’s game after all.”

It will be only the second time Shearer has had to serve a ban, the first coming after the only red card of his career – a second was rescinded last season – against Aston Villa in August 1998.

Bellamy has been hit with a fine of two weeks’ wages and had talks over a new contract, which were due to continue last week, put on hold.

But if either he or Shearer had a debt to repay to his club for his actions against the Italians both did just that yesterday as they brought the Premiership clash with Everton to an astonishing end.

United were trailing to Kevin Campbell’s 17th-minute goal and looking like they would never break down David Moyes’ 10 men when the former England captain blasted an 86th-minute volley past Richard Wright to level before his strike partner snatched victory with another goal in a dramatic finale.