Cisse, Evans face FA spitting probe

Papiss Cisse and Jonny Evans are facing likely bans and fines from the Football Association after appearing to spit at each other during a Barclays Premier League match at St James’ Park.

The incident occurred in the 39 minutes of Wednesday’s 1-0 victory for Manchester United over Newcastle United.

The United defender appeared to spit down at the Newcastle forward as he got off the ground following a collision. Cisse retaliated by moving his head towards Evans and spitting into his face.

Referee Anthony Taylor didn’t caution the players because he didn’t see the altercation, but both are now expected to be punished retrospectively.

Neither Newcastle manager John Carver nor Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal said they saw the incident.

“I can’t comment on it,” Carver said.

“I just know there was a fracas on the halfway line.”

Van Gaal, on his part, backed his defender.

“I don’t think Jonny Evans is a spitter. Maybe spitting on the floor, but we were on the bench and you cannot see from there.”

Spitting at an opponent is a sending-off offence and former Newcastle midfielder Jermaine Jenas wants the FA to wield the big stick.

“I am completely disgusted. If Cisse has spat in Jonny Evans’s face, then he needs a long ban,” he told BBC Radio 5 live.

“The game does not need to see this. It’s just a disgusting habit.”