Soccer: Arsenal midfielder Alex Song has accepted a Football Association charge of violent conduct and will now serve a three-match suspension, meaning he will miss games against Liverpool, Manchester United and Swansea.

The charge relates to an incident during the Gunners' draw at Newcastle on Saturday, when the 23-year-old stamped on the leg of opponent Joey Barton.

Song's team-mate, new signing Gervinho, is also about to start a three-game ban for slapping Barton in the same match and will also miss the games.

The Ivorian appealed his red card yesterday but was unsuccesful.

Both clubs were also charged with failing to control their players and have until Thursday to respond.