Newcastle United star Jonjo Shelvey will not appeal his racial abuse ban from the FA

JONJO SHELVEY has decided not to appeal his five-game ban and £100,000 fine for calling Wolves star Romain Saiss a “smelly Arab” – although he still denies saying it.

The Newcastle midfielder was hit with the punishment on Tuesday and will now miss clashes with Sheffield Wednesday, Nottingham Forest, Blackburn, Birmingham and Brentford.

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The Football Association had given him seven days to appeal the misconduct charge, but the former Liverpool and Swansea ace announced on Thursday that he had decided to accept the punishment.

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In a statement released on the club’s website, 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.

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“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.“

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez added: “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.

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"Now he has made the decision not to appeal the verdict we can focus on the upcoming games without uncertainty and distraction.”

The statement concluded with the following comments directly from the club: “Newcastle United does not tolerate any form of discrimination or abuse and condemns the use of racist, sexist or homophobic remarks in the strongest possible terms.

“The club will not be making any further comment.”