Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has denied spitting at Papiss Cisse during last night’s match against Newcastle.
While he had little time to reflect on the incident, the United defender has released an Official statement, where he claims he is shocked with the media suggestion.
“Having woken up this morning I am shocked to have seen the media coverage from last night’s match. I would like to make it clear that I did not spit at Papiss Cisse.
“I was totally unaware of any spitting incident and had assumed that the issue at the time was with the challenge and his attempted retaliation to the tackle from the floor. During the game Papiss Cisse and I spoke about the incident and it is clear by my reaction in the television footage that I was totally surprised by any suggestion of spitting.
“It is not in my character or in my nature to spit at anybody nor is it something I have ever done or would ever do. It is certainly not something that I did last night.”
The FA are considering to launch an investigation into the alleged spitting incident happened on Wednesday night.
Should both the players found guilty, they could get a six-game ban in FA decided to take action over the incident.
Response from Cisse:
In a statement published on the club’s official website, the 29-year-old said: “I have apologies to make to a lot of people today. Firstly, to my teammates and to our supporters, secondly to Jonny Evans, and thirdly, to every football fan who saw the incident between myself and Jonny.
“I reacted to something I found very unpleasant. Sometimes it is hard not to react, particularly in the heat of the moment. I have always tried hard to be positive a role model, especially for our young fans, and yesterday I let you down.
“I hope children out there playing football for their clubs and schools this weekend will know better than to retaliate when they are angry. Perhaps when they see the problem it now causes me and my team, they will be able to learn from my mistake, not copy it.”