UEFA panel hand Shearer two-match ban

NEWCASTLE’S Champions League hopes received a second devastating blow yesterday when skipper Alan Shearer was handed a two-match ban.

The 32-year-old was convicted by UEFA’s disciplinary panel on video evidence over his clash with Inter Milan defender Fabio Cannavaro during Wednesday’s 4-1 defeat at St James’ Park.

He will now miss the trips to Barcelona on December 10 and Bayer Leverkusen on February 18, and with strike partner Craig Bellamy also facing a ban following his dismissal in the same match, United’s chances of an unlikely qualification for the last eight have receded even further.