Hatem Ben Arfa banned for Europa League playoffs

Newcastle United winger Hatem Ben Arfa will miss the start of his side's Europa League campaign due to an outstanding suspension.

The ban dates back to the Frenchman's time at Marseille, where he was sent off in their 2-1 defeat at home to Benfica in March 2010 which cost them a place in the quarter-finals.

Ben Arfa then went on loan to the Magpies later that year and therefore didn't serve any of his ban.

After scoring the winner in Saturday's Premier League opener with Tottenham Hotspur, Ben Arfa will miss both legs of their playoff tie with Greek side Atromitos as well as the first game of the group stages should Newcastle qualify.