Stop an impressive season. The Spanish Borja Sainz, who had 16 goals and three assists this season with the English Norwich in the Championship, has been suspended for six games and fined 12,000 pounds after spitting at an opponent in the match against Sunderland on December 21, when they lost 2-1.
The Spaniard, the Championship’s top scorer with 15 league goals this season, admitted the accusation before an independent FA disciplinary commission: “Following today’s announcement from the FA, I would like to take this opportunity to issue a sincere and public apology for my actions during our match against Sunderland.
I would like to take this opportunity to issue a sincere and public apology for my actions.
Borja Sainz
“Spitting at an opponent is something completely out of my style and my reaction at the time was unacceptable. I deeply regret my actions and take full responsibility. I want to apologize directly to the opposing player, Chris Mepham, for my behaviour,” he added.
Spitting on an opponent is completely out of my style and my reaction at that moment was unacceptable.
Borja Sainz
“Furthermore, I apologize to my teammates, our coaching staff and our fans. I am deeply disappointed in myself and that I have let everyone down with my conduct. While I am saddened to miss the upcoming games, I will use this time to reflect, learn and refocus, so I can come back stronger and continue contributing to the team for the rest of the season. Thank you for your understanding and support,” he concluded.
In that match, the referee did not detect the infraction and did not sanction him. In fact, he continued playing for Norwich. The FA launched an investigation and confirmed that the striker breached FA Rule E1.1, determining that he “committed the sending-off offence.”
