Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has been given a six-match ban for spitting at Newcastle United’s Senegalese striker Papiss Cisse.
The 27-year-old Evans has denied all charges against him, yet an independent panel today found the United player guilty, meaning he will now miss Manchester United’s Monday night FA Cup quarter-final against Arsenal at Old Trafford.
An FA statement read: ‘Mr Evans denied the charge but it was found proven following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing on Friday.’
The 29-year-old Newcastle forward admitted he spat back at Evans in retaliation, and received the same six game ban plus an extra game due to the fact he had already been banned once this season.
The referee on the day Anthony Taylor did not see the incident, and despite it being caught on camera the Northern Irishman still denied the accusation.
He said: ‘I would like to make it clear that I did not spit at Papiss Cisse. Having woken up this morning, I am shocked to have seen the media coverage from last night’s match.’
Meanwhile United manager Louis van Gaal supports Evans saying: ‘I don’t think Jonny Evans is a spitter. He was not aware he was spitting. He has said that also. I believe him. For me, the matter is done.’
Have a look at the video below and see if you think Evans spat at Cisse.
