FA to give Slimani a kicking - and his Toon days look over

ISLAM Slimani’s career at Newcastle United looks as good as over after he was charged by the FA for his petulant kick on Craig Dawson, writes LEE RYDER.

The Algeria international striker was caught on camera swinging a boot at the West Brom defender during the 1-0 defeat at St James’ Park at the weekend and now faces a three-game FA ban.

It means Slimani has probably pulled on a black and white shirt for the last time, with the end of the season coinciding with the completion of his potential ban.

A statement from the FA read: “Newcastle United’s Islam Slimani has been charged with violent conduct following an incident during the game against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

“It happened in the 80th minute and was not seen by the match officials but caught on video.

“He has until 6pm on May 1 to respond to the charge.

“Off-the-ball incidents which are not seen at the time are referred by the FA to a panel of three former elite match officials. “Each panel member will review the video footage independently of one another to determine whether they consider it a sending-off offence. “For retrospective action to be taken, and an FA charge to follow, the decision of the panel must be unanimous.” Before the FA investigated the incident, United legend, Alan Shearer had said: “It is stupid. You have hardly even played for Newcastle and that is probably the last time he will play for Newcastle. It is just daft, stupid.”

The former Sporting Lisbon striker missed six matches at the start of his loan deal due to a thigh injury.

Leicester paid £28m for his services from the Portuguese giants and want to recoup as much of that fee as possible.

Yet this incident could have made up Rafa Benitez’s mind and a summer transfer could now be unlikely as the manager has insisted he wants players he can trust.