Alan Smith will begin the two game suspension given to him following a bottle-throwing incident with immedaite effect. The Leeds player has decided not to appeal against the punishment imposed by a disciplinary panel at Soho Square yesterday after Smith pleaded guilty to a charge of improper conduct.
Although the suspension was officially due to commence on January 20, under Football Association rules and with Leeds waiving their right to appeal, the ban can start instantly at the club's request.
It means Smith will now sit out tonight's clash at St James' Park against Newcastle and Saturday's relegation battle with Spurs at Elland Road.
The suspension stems from an incident at the end of Leeds' Carling Cup defeat to Manchester United on October 28 when Smith picked up a plastic bottle and hurled it back into the Elland Road crowd, hitting the sister of one of his best friends.
Filed by Johnny Proby
