Magpies’ blow as Bellamy gets another UEFA ban

NEWCASTLE striker Craig Bellamy was handed his second three-match ban of the season

The 23-year-old striker, who has already served a three-match European ban this season for head-butting Dynamo Kiev defender Tiberiu Ghioane, has been handed the sentence for the red card received following a spat with Marco Materazzi on November 27.

Following his dismissal at St James’ Park, the Wales international was automatically banned for the following Champions League match against Barcelona. However, European football’s governing body yesterday confirmed he would be banned for a further two games, the away and home matches against Bayer Leverkusen on February 18 and 26 respectively, for “violent conduct.”

Bellamy missed last week’s 3-1 defeat in Barcelona as a direct result of his dismissal, the impetuosity of which was recognised by the Welshman in the immediate aftermath: “I’ve worked so hard to get into this competition and it’s just these stupid incidents. I’ve already missed three games and I’m going to miss more now. To play against teams like Barcelona, it’s a dream to be on this stage and I’m blowing it.

“It’s my own fault. I’ve got no excuse. I knew I was going to get a little bit of treatment because I’ve played against (Fabio) Cannavaro a couple of times before.

“It’s the first time I’ve played against Materazzi, but that’s how they play.

“It’s my own fault. Whatever he’s done, I’ve reacted. I thought the Kiev thing (where he was banned following a headbutt) was behind me and I’d wiped the first one away. I’ve let everyone down. I’ve let the manager down, I’ve let my team-mates down, I’ve let the fans who have come here to see a good game of football down.”

The news is a further blow for the Magpies, given that skipper Alan Shearer is also banned for the trip to Leverkusen after being convicted on video evidence of elbowing Inter’s Cannavaro.

Dennis Bergkamp, meanwhile, faces a Football Association disciplinary hearing today to learn whether he will be suspended for up to three games during Arsenal’s festive campaign.

Bergkamp has been charged with misconduct after allegedly stamping on Blackburn defender Nils-Eric Johansson during the Premiership game between the two clubs on October 26.

The Dutchman maintains his innocence and is expected to appear in person at the hearing, which will take place at the FA’s Soho Square headquarters, to plead his case.

He is likely to argue that his momentum accidentally carried him into Johansson during the game, which Blackburn won 2-1, and that there was no malicious intent on his part.