Bellamy handed three-week euroban
Craig Bellamy was today banned for Newcastle’s next three Champions League matches for headbutting an opponent in the face.
The striker was caught on camera butting Dynamo Kiev defender Tiberiu Ghioane at the end of the match in the Ukraine on September 18.
UEFA’s control and disciplinary body announced the suspension today, although he has until Saturday to appeal against the decision.
A statement by UEFA said: “Bellamy deliberately headbutted an opponent in the face. Since the referee did not see the incident the decision was rendered on the basis of video evidence as well as the statement made by Craig Bellamy.”
The decision means the Wales striker will miss three out of four of Newcastle’s remaining games in Group E, including their next game against Juventus in Turin on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, UEFA have also announced an investigation into alleged racist abuse of Liverpool and Fulham players during European matches.
Black players on both Premiership teams were subjected to crowd abuse when Liverpool travelled to Valencia last week, and during Fulham’s UEFA Cup trip to Hajduk Split in Croatia. Fulham made an official complaint to UEFA following the unpleasant incidents.
Both Valencia and Split face being fined at the disciplinary body’s next meeting on October 10.
