Leeds decide not to appeal Smith ban

Leeds striker Alan Smith is to start his two-game bottle-throwing ban with immediate effect.

Leeds striker Alan Smith is to start his two-game bottle-throwing ban with immediate effect.

The club have decided not to appeal against the punishment imposed by a disciplinary panel yesterday after Smith pleaded guilty to a charge of improper conduct.

Although the suspension was due to commence on January 20th, under Football Association rules and with Leeds waiving their right to appeal, the ban can start instantly at the club's request.

Smith will now sit out tonight's clash with Newcastle at St James' Park and Saturday's relegation battle with Spurs at Elland Road.

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The suspension stems from an incident at the end of Leeds' Carling Cup defeat to Manchester United on October 28th when Smith picked up a plastic bottle and hurled it back into the Elland Road crowd.