EVERTON’S MAROUANE FELLAINI has been banned for three matches after deciding not to appeal the FA’s retrospective punishment for headbutting Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross.

The Belgian international, who has been the Toffees’ best player this season, caused outrage at the weekend when he clearly assaulted the England defender.

Fellaini’s headbutt may have been missed by the match officials but it was caught on camera.

Referee Mark Halsey said he did see two further incidents involving the two players later in the game, but he deemed neither of them to be violent conduct.

Everton manager David Moyes said immediately after the game that there was no defence for Fellaini’s actions and the club would accept any punishment that came his way, while the 25-year-old himself apologised.

“I apologise completely to Ryan Shawcross, my team mates and to our fans at the game,” said Fellaini.

“There was a lot of pushing and pulling going on inside the Stoke penalty area and I didn’t feel I was getting any protection from the officials.

“Nevertheless I know I shouldn’t have done what I did.

“I have also apologised to the manager and the staff. I have no excuses, I was disappointed with the way I was being treated and I lost my temper, which was unprofessional of me.”

Fellaini will miss Everton’s entire Christmas programme – games against West Ham (A), Wigan (H) and Chelsea (H).

Clermont’s Lee Byrne breaks a bone in his back >