Matt Ritchie: Newcastle United winger misses rest of season through suspension

Matt Ritchie signed a five-year deal with Newcastle in July 2016

Newcastle United winger Matt Ritchie has been banned for the final two games of the season after he admitted a Football Association misconduct charge.

Ritchie, 27, was charged with using abusive or insulting language towards a match official in or around the tunnel area in the 1-1 Championship draw with Leeds United on 14 April.

He was also fined £5,000 by the independent regulatory commission.

The Scotland international will miss matches against Cardiff and Barnsley.

Since moving to St James' Park from Bournemouth in July 2016, Ritchie has made 52 appearances, scoring 16 goals.