NYON (Switzerland), Sept 25: Newcastle United and Wales forward Craig Bellamy was handed a three-match ban by European governing body UEFA Wednesday for head-butting an opponent in last week’s Champions League clash at Dynamo Kiev.

“In the 91st minute, Bellamy deliberately head-butted an opponent in the face,” UEFA said in a statement.

“Since the referee did not see the incident, the decision was rendered on the basis of the video evidence as well as the statement made by Craig Bellamy.”

Bellamy is now set to miss both the home and away games against group E favourites Juventus, plus the home fixture with Kiev — before returning for their final game away to Feyenoord on Nov 13.

Meanwhile, European soccer’s governing body UEFA has launched investigations into complaints of racism in Champions League and UEFA Cup games involving Liverpool and Fulham.

Fulham have made an official complaint against alleged racist abuse after their 1-0 first round first leg win over Croatia’s Hajduk in the UEFA Cup Sept 19.

Liverpool’s 2-0 Champions League defeat in Valencia on Sept 17 will also be investigated after allegations of racist abuse aimed at Liverpool players.

UEFA said evidence would be considered by its disciplinary committee on Oct 10.—Reuters