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Newcastle stand by Jonjo Shelvey after his five-match ban for racially abusive language as Rafa Benitez makes him captain on his return

Rafa Benitez has hit back at the Football Association after Jonjo Shelvey's return from a five-match ban for using racially abusive language towards an opponent.

The 24-year-old was also fined £100,000 and ordered to attend an FA education course after an Independent Regulatory Commission found him guilty of abusing Wolves midfielder Romain Saiss.

During December's hearing it was alleged by team-mates of Saiss that Shelvey called him 'a smelly Arab c***' and 'Moroccan p****'.

Jonjo Shelvey served a five-match ban after being found guilty of racially abusive language
Jonjo Shelvey served a five-match ban after being found guilty of racially abusive language
Shelvey returned from his suspension to captain Newcastle against Birmingham in the FA Cup
Shelvey returned from his suspension to captain Newcastle against Birmingham in the FA Cup

The Newcastle midfielder denied the accusations and said he was 'disappointed and frustrated' with the verdict.