Newcastle United in a crunch situation following Papiss Cisse ban

New Delhi: Newcastle United have been handed a major blow after striker Papiss Cisse was served a three-match ban after accepting a charge of violent conduct from the Football Association.

Cisse who has been amongst the goals for Newcastle, has netted nine times this campaign. He had also scored in the team's last two matches and his unavailability will be a big concern for the club.

Cisse elbowed Everton defender Seamus Coleman during Sunday's 3-2 league win over the Toffees.

He will miss Thursday's visit of Burnley, Saturday's FA Cup tie at Leicester and the Premier League game at Chelsea on 10 January.

Also another blow for Newcastle United is the decision made by manager Alan Pardew to join quit the club and join Crystal Palace.

Palace sacked Neil Warnock in a time where the team is suffering to register victories and are in the danger zone of relegation. Pardew's decision is a good one followed by the hatred and mistreatment he has repeatedly got from Newcastle supporters. Also owner Mike Ashley failing to give him enough backing even after a series of good performances, was seen as the final blow.

Newcastle are in a state of a mini crisis and they will hope to put in some good performances under the absence of Cisse and Pardew.