Premiership: Hayles sweating on FA judgement

Fulham striker Barry Hayles today pleaded with the Football Association not to hit him with the six-match ban which could rob him of an FA Cup final appearance.

The Londoners’ 11-goal top-scorer pulls on the Cottagers jersey at Newcastle tonight, but a double violent conduct charge - part one of which will be heard tomorrow - might mean his St James’ Park appearance is his last of the season.