According to a Sky Sports article – former Swansea midfielder Jonjo Shelvey will not appeal his five match ban for Newcastle United, that the 24-year-old has been dealt.
The incident that led to the ban leads all the way back to September. The 17th of the month to be precise, when Shelvey’s Magpies side faced off against Wolverhampton Wanderers. In the 87th minute of the encounter, Shelvey has been deemed guilty of using racially aggravated language towards Frenchman Romain Saiss.
As well as the five-match suspension, the former Swansea man has also been fined £100,000, and has been ordered to partake in a education course by the FA.
When speaking about the subject, Shelvey, who is clearly unhappy with the situation, proclaimed:
‘I am very disappointed and frustrated with the outcome of the hearing. I strongly maintain that I did not use the offensive language that has been alleged’
‘Despite my strong disappointment, we think an appeal is very unlikely to change the panel’s decision on the case, so I have decided not to take that option’.
This news may dampen the Christmas spirit of the St James’ Park faithful – who won’t see Shelvey in a Magpies shirt until the clash against promotion contending Brighton on the 28th January – at the absolute earliest.
The absence of Shelvey may have serious implications on Benitez’s side, as it’s not only Shelvey that’ll be missing for the midfield of the Magpies in the not so distant future – ex-Hull City midfielder Mohamed Diame will also most probably not be available for the Toon.
Diame is likely off to represent Senegal at the upcoming African Cup Of Nations – which is a tournament which will affect many English clubs; but with Shelvey also not being present – will Newcastle be one of the clubs most damaged by the upcoming tournament?
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