Hammers vow to stand by disgraced Newton

WEST HAM winger Shaun Newton has escaped the sack despite landing a seven-month ban from the Football Association following a positive test for cocaine.

Newton, 30, was tested immediately after West Ham’s FA Cup semi-final victory over Middlesbrough on April 23 and was suspended by the club on May 20.

Manager Alan Pardew admitted being “infuriated” that his club’s reputation had been tarnished by the incident — but vowed to stand by Newton.

Pardew said: “West Ham United has always had a reputation as a family club and our belief here is that when a member of your family is in trouble you look after them.

“Our instinct is to support Shaun and his young family and give them all the help and encouragement we can. We will work with him to help him get through this period, and ensure that he comes through the other side.”

West Ham had feared a longer suspension but Newton will be available for the Premiership game against Fulham on December 23 after the FA backdated his ban to May 20.

Newton offered his apologies, insisting it had been an isolated incident but admitting he had “let down my family, my friends, the club and its supporters”.

The news has hurt Pardew badly. The pair describe themselves as “personal friends” from their playing days together at Charlton.

Pardew’s stance on ill-discipline has been firm since the moment he arrived at Upton Park.

Only two months ago, he warned new signing Lee Bowyer — who failed a drugs test while at Charlton 12 years ago — that he will “not tolerate any other incidents” from the former Newcastle midfielder.

Pardew could have followed the example set by Chelsea with the cases of Mark Bosnich and Adrian Mutu and cancelled Newton’s contract, which has one year remaining.

But the player will instead face internal disciplinary action.