Newcastle are hit with Butt blow

NEWCASTLE midfielder Nicky Butt will sit out the club’s next three European games after being banned by UEFA.

The 29-year-old was handed the maximum possible suspension this afternoon after being red-carded within two minutes of being introduced as a substitute during last week’s 2-0 UEFA Cup first-round victory over Israeli side Hapoel Bnei Sakhnin.

Butt was dismissed by Portuguese referee Antonio Costa after grabbing Sakhnin skipper Abas Suan by the throat at St James’ Park.