Championship top scorer Borja Sainz has been banned for six games after spitting at an opponent during Norwich City’s away game against Sunderland last month.
The incident occurred in the 74th minute of the match but was not seen by referee Leigh Doughty and the Norwich forward remained on the pitch as his side suffered a 2-1 defeat.
Sainz was charged with a breach of the rules by the English FA on January 3. On Friday, the FA announced an independent commission had given the 23-year-old a six-game ban and fined him £12,000 ($14.8k) after he accepted the charge, having “committed the sending off offence of spitting at an opponent”.
The ban means Sainz will miss Norwich’s FA Cup third-round tie against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, as well as Championship games against Sheffield United, Leeds United, Swansea City and Watford. If Norwich progress in the FA Cup, he will also miss their fourth-round tie. If they do not, he will miss the Championship game against Derby County or Preston North End.
“Spitting at an opponent is completely out of character for me, and my reaction in that moment was unacceptable,” Sainz said, via a post on Norwich’s social media. “I deeply regret my actions and take full responsibility.
“I want to apologise directly to the opposing player, Chris Mepham, for my behaviour. Additionally, I extend my apologies to my team mates, our coaching staff and our fans. I am deeply disappointed in myself and for letting all of you down through my conduct.”
💬 A message from Borja 👇 pic.twitter.com/1bi8lRpPfL
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) January 10, 2025
Norwich are 11th in the Championship, four points off the play-offs. Sainz is the league’s top scorer with 15 goals, three more than West Bromwich Albion’s Josh Maja.
(Jaimi Joy/Getty Images)
