CRAIG Bellamy issued a humble apology last night after he was given a three-match Champions League ban for headbutting to leave Newcastle United's European hopes in tatters.

Bellamy will miss the forthcoming games against Juventus, home and away, and the visit of Dynamo Kiev after he was suspended by UEFA yesterday.

The irascible striker said sorry for his part in an altercation last Wednesday with Kiev defender Tiberiu Ghioane. The incident itself was missed by the match officials, but picked up by a television camera.

The absence of Bellamy from the double-header with Juve and the return meeting with Kiev could sound the death knell for Newcastle's fast-fading hopes of reaching the Champions League second phase.

Bottom of Group E after losing their first two games, the loss of their Wales forward is a massive setback for the Magpies ahead of next Tuesday's trip to the Stadio delle Alpi.

Newcastle will not appeal against the suspension for violent conduct, which was handed down to Bellamy by UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body.

A contrite Bellamy, 23, said: "I would like to offer my sincere apologies to everyone at the club - the board of directors, the manager, my teammates and most importantly the supporters.

"Although it is no excuse, I can only say that I have worked very hard to regain full fitness and achieve my goal of playing in the Champions League for Newcastle United.

"Clearly, I am not yet as fit as I would like to be and consequently towards the end of the match I let my frustration get the better of me.

"I can assure everybody that this has taught me a painful lesson."

Bellamy will not be eligible for Champions League action again until Newcastle's final game of the first phase, against Feyenoord in Rotterdam on November 13.

A UEFA statement said: "Bellamy deliberately headbutted an opponent in the face.

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

This ban is the latest in a string of disciplinary problems that have dogged Bellamy since he joined Newcastle from Coventry City last summer.

He has frequently been admonished by Sir Bobby Robson for showing dissent to officials and as recently as last weekend was warned by Alan Shearer to keep his counsel on the pitch or risk further bookings.

On Saturday, against Sunderland, Bellamy was cautioned for diving - a decision that appeared harsh - and last December he was sent off for elbowing Arsenal's Ashley Cole, although the red card was later rescinded.

Yesterday's suspension caps a miserable few months for Bellamy, who only returned to first-team action three weeks ago after recovering from a knee injury that had precluded his inclusion in Robson's plans since February.

His absence from the trip to Turin means Lomano LuaLua is in line to start the make-or-break game alongside Shearer as Newcastle look to improve on their dismal start to their Champions League campaign.

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