Bellamy is banned for THREE games

By Matthew Jones
September 25 2002

"Bellamy deliberately headbutted an opponent in the face. Since the referee did not see the incident the decision was rendered on the basis of video evidence as well as the statement made by Craig Bellamy."

Newcastle United super-striker, Craig Bellamy has been handed a three-match Champions League ban for headbutting a Dynamo Kiev defender. A ban that Newcastle could have done without.

The Welsh flyer was deemed to have caught defender Tiberiu Ghioane at the end of the match in the Ukraine on 18 September. No action was taken on the day, but UEFA looking into the allegations.

Bellamy has until Saturday to contest the decision, made by Uefa's control and disciplinary body.

A statement by Uefa read: "Bellamy deliberately headbutted an opponent in the face. Since the referee did not see the incident the decision was rendered on the basis of video evidence as well as the statement made by Craig Bellamy."

Bellamy will miss back-to-back games against Juventus, starting in Turin next Tuesday, and the return fixture against Kiev at the end of October.