Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is set to miss the trip to Brentford after being banned for five games for racial abuse.
The 24-year-old from Romford ran the show when the two sides met at St James' Park in October and his absence will be a huge boost to Dean Smith's side when the sides meet at Griffin Park on January 16 - the final game of his ban.
Shelvey, though, has leave to appeal and the ban, plus £100,000 fine, has been set aside while he decides. The midfielder has seven days after receiving the written reasons to lodge an appeal.
A Newcastle statement read: “Jonjo Shelvey has been given a five-match suspension and £100,000 fine after an FA misconduct charge against him was found proven.
“Jonjo was charged with using abusive and/or insulting words towards an opponent in the 87th minute of the game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, 17th September 2016.
“It was further alleged that this breach of Rule E3(1) was an “Aggravated Breach” as defined in Rule E3(2), as it included reference to ethnic origin and/or race and/or nationality.
“The player, who denied the charge at an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing, was also ordered to attend an FA education course.
“The sanction has been set aside pending consideration for an appeal. The player has seven days from receipt of written reasons in which to lodge any appeal.
“The club and the player will await the FA's written reasons before making any further comment on this matter.”
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