Newcastle: Hatem Ben Arfa Suspended For 3 European Games?

The Mirror, the 25-year-old French international reportedly won't play in The Magpies' away fixture at Greek side Atromitos in the Europa League fourth qualifying round first leg due to a red card that hangs over his head from his days at former club Marseille. In a last 16 game against Benfica in 2010, Ben Arfa was brought on as a 90th minute substitute and was sent off a minute later when he kicked out at an opponent in frustration and was sent back down the tunnel. As Marseille went out of the tournament, Ben Arfa was never able to serve his three-match ban, so that will now come into effect as Newcastle enter the competition. Ben Arfa, who was the match winner for Newcastle in their 2-1 home victory against Tottenham Hotspur, likely would have been rested for Thursday's European excursions anyway as manager Alan Pardew is expected to rest several key players ahead of Saturday's Premier League tie against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.