IMAGE: Norwich City's Borja Sainz was charged by the Football Association for allegedly spitting at defender Chris Mepham. Photograph: Andrew Boyers/Reuters
Norwich City winger Borja Sainz has been suspended for six matches and fined 12,000 pounds ($14,749) for spitting at an opponent, the Championship side said on Friday.
Sainz, Norwich's top scorer this season, was charged by the Football Association for allegedly spitting at defender Chris Mepham during the 74th minute of their 2-1
defeat at Sunderland on Dec. 21.
"Sainz admitted the charge and his sanctions were subsequently imposed by an independent Regulatory Commission," the FA said in a statement on Friday.
Sainz issued a public apology after the FA's announcement.
"Spitting at an opponent is completely out of character for me, and my reaction in that moment was unacceptable. I deeply regret my actions and take full responsibility," the 23-year-old Spaniard said in a statement.
Norwich host Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup on Saturday.
Source:
© Copyright 2025 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.