Butt facing ban

Newcastle midfielder Nicky Butt is facing up to the possibility of a three-match European ban for his moment of UEFA Cup madness.

The 29-year-old England international lost his cool with Hapoel Bnei Sakhnin skipper Abas Suan just two minutes after replacing Kieron Dyer in last night’s stormy 2-0 victory at St James’ Park, grabbing the player by the throat as the game turned ugly.