Newcastle star Aleksandar Mitrovic slapped with three-match ban after accepting violent conduct charge
Serbian striker flung an elbow at Manuel Lanzini in the 80th minute of the 3-0 victory over West Ham on Saturday
NEWCASTLE striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has been hit with a three-match ban after accepting a violent conduct charge.
The Serbian international caught Manuel Lanzini with an elbow in the 80th minute of the 3-0 victory over West Ham.
As the incident happened off the ball, it was not spotted by the match officials but was picked up by TV cameras leading to the charges.
Mitrovic, 22, has been fighting for his Newcastle future under boss Rafa Benitez.
His 18 minute cameo on Saturday was his first league minutes of the season and he only started 11 matches in the Championship last campaign.
The Serb looked to have fired himself into contention by socring the third goal to seal victory.
But his act of stupidity will not help his cause as he misses crucial matches against Swansea, Stoke and Brighton.
Benitez knows his side are in a relegation scrap and will have targeted Toon's next three fixtures for vital points.
Dwight Gayle has been linked with a Magpies exit as Benitez prepares to sell him to raise funds for new signings.
The striker scored 23 goals last term but failed to make any impact against Tottenham or Huddersfield
And with Mitrovic's ban, Toon boss Benitez's fears about a lack of work in the market look to be well justified despite victory over the Hammers.