Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton will serve a three-match ban after accepting a charge of violent conduct.
Barton appeared to punch Blackburn player Morten Gamst Pedersen in the chest during the Magpies’ 2-1 defeat on Wednesday night.
Referee Mike Jones did not see the incident at the time, meaning the Football Association could use video evidence to impose a retrospective punishment.
Barton was given 24 hours to respond to the charge and the 28-year-old has now confirmed he will not appeal, while also issuing an apology for his actions.
He said: “I fully accent that I was in the wrong on this occasion and accept the charge that the FA have brought against me.
“I would like to apologise to Chris Hughton, my team-mates, our supporters and of course to Morten Gamst Pedersen and Blackburn Rovers.
“This season, I have really been enjoying my football and although I have been on the receiving end of a few robust challenges, I have, up until now, remained calm in the face of provocation and just carried on with the game.
“But I hold my hands up, I reacted badly to the situation on Wednesday night and I deeply regret it.”
Barton will now miss Newcastle’s games against Fulham, Bolton and Chelsea in the Premier League