Norwich Winger Borja Sainz Banned for Six Games After Spitting Incident

The Championship's top scorer apologized after being fined £12,000 and suspended for spitting at Sunderland's Chris Mepham during a December match.

Borja Sainz, Norwich City's leading scorer with 15 goals, has been suspended for six matches by the Football Association after admitting to spitting at Sunderland defender Chris Mepham on December 21, 2024.
The incident occurred in the 74th minute of Norwich's 2-1 loss at Sunderland in an EFL Championship match.
Sainz was fined £12,000 ($14,800) and accepted the punishment imposed by an independent regulatory commission.
In a public apology, the 23-year-old Spaniard described the act as 'out of character' and expressed regret for his behavior, taking full responsibility.
The suspension means Sainz will miss Norwich's upcoming FA Cup third-round match against Brighton & Hove Albion and five additional games in the Championship.