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.”