Newcastle's Cabaye banned for three games

Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye was hit with a three-match suspension on Wednesday after being charged with violent conduct following an incident in the Magpies' FA Cup defeat by Brighton.

The Football Association confirmed the French star's punishment in a statement on its website following a regulatory commission hearing.

The suspension is effective immediately, ruling him out of Newcastle's trip to Blackburn Rovers later on Wednesday, Sunday's home clash with Aston Villa and the match against title-chasing Tottenham Hotspur the following weekend.

The France international joined sixth-placed Newcastle in a £4.3 million (ê5.7m) move from French double winners Lille last year.

His absence would be a big blow for the north-east side, especially as Cabaye's regular central midfield partner, Cheick Tiote, is still away on Africa Cup of Nations duty with the Ivory Coast.

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