Bellamy gets ban and fine

Bellamy's loss does not help Newcastle's Champions League hopes

Newcastle striker Craig Bellamy has been banned for one game and fined £5,000 for improper conduct towards an official.

The incident took place at the end of Newcastle's 1-0 defeat against Middlesbrough on 5 March.

Bellamy has 14 days to appeal but, if the ban stands, he is set to miss one of Newcastle's remaining three games as the out-of-form club aim to secure a Champions League spot.

Bellamy was told his fate after presenting his case to a three-man Football Association panel in York on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old was initially charged with using foul and abusive language towards match referee Andy D'Urso.

But Professional Footballers' Association deputy chief executive Mick McGuire intervened and had the charge downgraded to improper conduct.

McGuire said: "They took into account Craig's fantastic record for a front man on the playing field this season, as he has only been cautioned once in the last 14 months (in domestic competition).

"Obviously the management and myself will now discuss whether we will appeal against it."

Match report:
Fulham 2-1 Newcastle

Bellamy has already missed six of his side's Champions League games this season through suspension.

The Wales forward picked up a three-match ban after being convicted on video evidence of head-butting Dynamo Kiev defender Tiberiu Ghione in a 2-0 defeat in the Ukraine.

He then received as similar ban after being sent off for lashing out at Inter Milan defender Marco Materazzi.

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