Spitting row: Jonny Evans and Papiss Cisse 'to face FA charge'
A tussle during Man Utd's victory over Newcastle appeared to turn into a spitting match between the two players
Newcastle 0 Manchester United 1. A late goal from Ashley Young earned Manchester United a hard-fought victory at St James' Park, but the win was overshadowed by a spitting row that is likely to have repercussions for both clubs.
Manchester United defender Jonny Evans and Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse tangled in the first half and appeared to lash out at each other as they lay on the ground. Evans then got to his feet and, according to the Sun, "spat downwards in the direction of Newcastle striker Cisse. The Toon striker jumped to his feet and seemed to spit back" at the United player. Though the incident was not seen by referee Anthony Taylor, the Football Association is almost certain to charge the players with misconduct once it has reviewed video footage of the incident.
Pundits were quick to condemn the players' behaviour, with former Manchester United and England defender Phil Neville describing spitting as "the worst thing you can do on a pitch".
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Though victims of Luis Suarez might disagree with that assessment, there's no doubt that the pair, if charged and found guilty, will be severely punished by the FA. Speaking on Match of the Day, former Newcastle midfielder Dietmar Hamann predicted: "Both players will have a few weeks off. This is not acceptable, it's disgusting."
Hamann's comments were echoed by former Magpies midfielder Jermaine Jenas who told BBC 5 live: "I am completely disgusted. If Cisse has spat in Jonny Evans's face then he needs a long ban. The game does not need to see this. It's just a disgusting habit."
Twelve months ago Hull City's George Boyd was banned for three matches for spitting at Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart and a similar ban will probably be meted out to Cisse and Evans.
Neither manager claimed to have witnessed the incident with Louis van Gaal declaring: "I don't think Jonny Evans is a spitter. Maybe spitting on the floor but we are on the bench and you cannot see from there."
Newcastle's John Carver said that though he saw a "fracas on the halfway line" he was too far away too have seen any spitting. Nonetheless, he added, "You can't do it…it's one of the worst things in football".
The match was settled one minute from time when Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul played the ball into the path of Ashley Young. The United winger made the most of his good fortune, earning with his strike a precious three points for the visitors on a night when all their rivals also won. It was tough luck on Krul, who had made a string of good saves before his gaffe, and leaves Newcastle in 11th spot, four points behind West Ham in 10th.
United remain fourth and still in contention for Champions League qualification. "I think we have dominated for 90 minutes," said van Gaal. "[It was] maybe our best match of the season, especially in an away match. We deserved the victory."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Why Bhutan hopes tourists will put a smile back on its face
Under The Radar The 'kingdom of happiness' is facing economic problems and unprecedented emigration
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
7 beautiful towns to visit in Switzerland during the holidays
The Week Recommends Find bliss in these charming Swiss locales that blend the traditional with the modern
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
The Week contest: Werewolf bill
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
Why Man United finally lost patience with ten Hag
Talking Point After another loss United sacked ten Hag in hopes of success in the Champion's League
By The Week UK Published
-
The Premier League's spending cap: levelling the playing field?
Talking Point Top clubs oppose plans to link spending to income of lowest-earning club, but rule could prevent success gap from widening
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Is a new English football regulator an own goal for the game?
Talking Point PM hails 'historic moment for football fans' but West Ham owner warns it could 'ruin' Premier League
By The Week UK Published
-
Manchester United and Mason Greenwood: duty of care or double standards?
Talking Point The 21-year-old footballer’s possible return has provoked an outpouring of dismay from supporters
By Jamie Timson Published
-
2023-2024 Premier League predictions: champions, relegation and golden boot
feature A look at the top flight talking points and pundit picks for the new season
By Mike Starling Published
-
Man City: can ‘one of the best sides in history’ win the treble?
feature Guardiola’s Premier League champions have two more trophies in their sights
By The Week Staff Published
-
Premier League: Man City vs. Arsenal predictions
feature What the pundits say about tonight’s title race showdown at the Etihad
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Antonio Conte leaves Tottenham after ‘extraordinary’ rant at players
feature After another year without a trophy, Spurs are now searching for a new manager
By The Week Staff Published