Newcastle full-back Celestine Babayaro has been banned for three games after admitting a charge of violent conduct.

The 28-year-old was charged by the Football Association today over a clash with Dirk Kuyt during his club's 2-0 defeat at Liverpool on Wednesday night.

He has admitted the offence and will now miss Sunday's visit of Everton to St James' Park, the trip to Manchester United a week later and the home game with Bolton on October 15.

An FA spokesman said: "Celestine Babayaro has admitted the charge and will be suspended for three games with immediate effect."

Match referee Mark Halsey and his team of officials did not see the incident, but Babayaro was charged after disciplinary chiefs viewed video footage.

The Nigerian was given until 6pm on Monday to respond with a hearing date set for the following day.

However, Babayaro's admission means his penalty will begin this weekend, although he will be available for the Uefa Cup clash with Levadia Tallinn on Thursday night.

The former Chelsea defender was banned in similar circumstances last season after an altercation with Everton's Tim Cahill.

With Frenchman Olivier Bernard still some way from full match fitness, manager Glenn Roeder faces a headache for Sunday's game.

Peter Ramage had deputised for Babayaro at left-back during his recent absence through injury, although he has had to play as a central defender in the last two games.

The return to fitness of Titus Bramble and Steven Taylor could see him move back to the left against the Toffees with the Magpies desperate to bounce back from the midweek defeat on Merseyside. PA