Papiss Cisse Accepts FA Charge

Newcastle United and Papiss Cisse have accepted an FA charge in relation to the spitting incident between the Senegalese striker and Manchester United defender Jonny Evans. TV footage showed the Northern Ireland international spitting down towards the floor in the direction of his opponent during Wednesday night's Premier League clash. Cisse reacted by putting his head towards Evans and seemingly spitting back at him, although it is not clear if it landed on the central defender. Now, the 29-year-old has been handed a six game ban with a seventh match added thanks to his altercation with Everton's Sheamus Coleman in December after he swiftly accepted the charges brought against him. Speaking on the club's official website, Newcastle's Managing Director Lee Charnley said:

"Both ourselves and Papiss agree that this kind of behaviour is not acceptable. "In life, when you do something wrong you have to front up, admit your mistakes and accept the punishment. Papiss was proactive this morning in making a full and heartfelt apology, which he did in advance of any notification from the FA regarding this charge. "This was something he felt strongly about and we fully support him in quickly accepting the charge. "Papiss is known to many of our region's schools, community groups and junior football teams for his involvement in the work of the Newcastle United Foundation. "He has this evening expressed to us his strong desire to engage in additional community activities during the period of his ban. "He is particularly keen to use his position as a role model to encourage young and influential fans to engage in sport and learn lessons about the importance of fair play and personal conduct."

Man United's Evans has not yet responded.