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.