England: Player banned for six matches for spit in one’s face

Norwich City striker Borja Sainz has been banned for six games and fined £12,000 for kicking Sunderland team-mate Chris Mepham.

The player committed the offence in December 2024, during Norwich’s 2-1 win over Sunderland. Borja kicked his team-mate in the 74th minute.

Borja Sainz, the Championship’s top scorer (16), said he had accepted his mistakes and accepted the consequences.

He said: “I have accepted the consequences and I deeply regret it. Kicking my team-mate was not the right thing to do and I apologise to Chris, the fans and my coaches. I am very disappointed but that is not normal.”

The six games Norwich have played include the FA Cup third-round tie against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.

January also includes games between Sheffield United, Leeds United, Swansea City, Watford and Derby County, before returning to the pitch when Norwich play Preston North on February 11, 2025.