Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey accepts five-game ban

Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has denied using racially abusive language – but has accepted a five game ban. 

Shelvey will not appeal against a ban and £100,000 fine handed down by an FA Regulatory Commission this week. 

The midfielder was accused of abusing Wolves Moroccan midfielder Romain Saiss in September which included reference to his race or nationality. 

In his first comments on the charge Shelvey said: 

"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. 

“Appealing the ban would also extend the period of uncertainty for the club and the team during such an important part of the season. 

“This would not be fair on my club, manager or team-mates and I want to draw a line under this now so that I can return to help my team with our promotion challenge as soon as possible.” 

The former Swansea midfielder will now miss the Christmas programme and won't play until the third week of January.