Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has pleaded not guilty to spitting at Newcastle United striker Papiss Cisse and will have his case heard on Friday, the English Football Association (FA) have announced.
Evans had until 6pm on Friday to respond to the charge leveled at both men under the FA’s Rule E1[a] and the governing body’s disciplinary chiefs announced that Northern Ireland international is to fight it.
An FA statement, released via its official Twitter account, read: “Manchester United’s Jonny Evans denies FA charge in relation to incident involving Papiss Cisse. Independent Regulatory Commission hearing tonight, decision expected tomorrow.”
Photo: Reuters
The incident occurred during United’s 1-0 Enlgish Premier League win over Newcastle at St James’ Park on Wednesday.
As the pair climbed to their feet after tangling, Evans seemed to spit toward the ground and Cisse appeared to react by spitting at the United defender’s neck.
Referee Anthony Taylor did not take action against either player, but footage of the incident was reviewed by a three-man panel of former elite referees, who all agreed that both players should have been sent off.
Evans denied spitting at Cisse, but the Newcastle striker issued a public apology for his behavior and accepted the FA charge on Thursday.
Cisse now faces a seven-match ban after being sent off earlier this season, while Evans would be hit with a six-game suspension if he is found guilty.
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