Thursday 22 December 2016 21:26, UK
Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has decided not to appeal his five-match ban after being found guilty of a Football Association misconduct charge.
The 24-year-old continues to deny using racially aggravated language towards an opponent, but after considering the independent regulatory commission's written reasons for its decision earlier this week, has opted not to take the case any further.
Shelvey, who was also fined £100,000 and ordered to attend an FA education course, was charged by the governing body following an incident in the 87th minute of the game with Wolves on September 17.
"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," he said in a statement.
"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 teammates 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."
Shelvey was handed the ban on Tuesday for an aggravated breach of Rule E3(1) after being charged with "using abusive and/or insulting words towards an opponent" which "included reference to ethnic origin and/or race and/or nationality".
He will now miss games against Sheffield Wednesday, Nottingham Forest, Blackburn, Birmingham and Brentford.
Shelvey's absence at a key stage of the season will come as a blow to manager Rafael Benitez but the Spaniard has vowed to keep his team on track while he awaits the return of the former Swansea player.
Benitez said: "Jonjo has maintained his position from the outset and as such has received our full support. Despite this issue going on in the background, he has continued to train and play really well.
"Now he has made the decision not to appeal the verdict we can focus on the upcoming games without uncertainty and distraction."
