Papiss Cisse Banned for 3 Matches After Seamus Coleman Elbow

Newcastle United striker Papiss Cisse has been banned after being found guilty of violent conduct by the FA. The striker appeared to repeatedly elbow Everton’s Seamus Coleman in the teams' recent Premier League clash.

Continue for updates.

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Cisse Apologizes for Elbow

Wednesday, Dec. 31

Lee Ryder of The Chronicle provides a statement from Cisse:

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Cisse Gets 3-Game Suspension

Tuesday, Dec. 30

Newcastle have confirmed the expected three-match punishment for Cisse following his FA charge:

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Cisse Charged Retrospectively for Coleman Elbow

Monday, Dec. 29 

Senegalese striker Cisse caught Seamus Coleman flush in the face when he lashed out during Newcastle's win over Everton, and although referee Craig Pawson appeared to have a clear view of the incident, no action was taken on the field at the time.    

Cisse went on to score an equalising goal for the Magpies—trailing 1-0 when the aforementioned clash occurred—who went on to notch a vital 3-2 win.

Mark Runnacles/Getty Images

Everton manager Roberto Martinez spoke about the incident in the aftermath of the game, per Louise Taylor of The Guardian:

"Elbowing a fellow professional is unacceptable," Martinez said. "It should have been spotted. It’s a clear elbow which is trying to hurt someone and those are not actions we want to see on a football pitch."

Mark Runnacles/Getty Images

As noted by the Spaniard, the incident was pretty clear-cut. It was a sour moment in what’s been a pretty prosperous season for the forward, too, as can be seen here courtesy of OptaJoe:

With Premier League games convoluting the calendar during this unique period and the FA Cup also on the horizon, the Toon will certainly feel Cisse’s absence. 

Despite enduring a torrid 2013/14 campaign, the striker has shown he remains the club’s best finisher during his performances this season.