Norwich’s Borja Sainz issues statement after being fined and banned for six matches for spitting

Norwich’s Borja Sainz issues a statement after being fined and banned for six matches for spitting at Sunderland’s Chris Mepham.

The Canaries top scorer Borja Sainz has admitted to spitting at the Black Cats player during the game in December 2024.

Sainz, also the Championship‘s leading scorer, is also fined £12,000 by the Football Association for the incident which took place in the 74th minute of the game which saw Norwich lose 2-1 at the Stadium of Light.

He has netted 16 goals for the club this season, but hasn’t been able to add to that it since November.

Now he’s received the punishment, he has said he takes “full responsibility” and “deeply regrets” what he did…

This is the 74th minute up until Mepham talks to ref and Sainz #ncfc pic.twitter.com/r0mmI7niwI

— Peeky🔰 (@PeekyNCFC) January 3, 2025

Right at the start. Sainz walks away from Mepham, who then shouts for the ref while then having to defend the free kick. Once the balls gone he’s straight to the ref, fuming. pic.twitter.com/WUWQOM8Ss9

— Joe (@joeturner5) January 3, 2025

FA STATEMENT:

The Football Association have released the following statement regarding Norwich City player Borja Sainz:

“Norwich City’s Borja Sainz has been suspended for six matches and fined £12,000 following a breach of FA Rule E1.1 that took place during their EFL Championship match against Sunderland on Saturday, December 21, 2024.

“It was alleged that the forward committed the sending off offence of spitting at an opponent, during the 74th minute of the fixture. Borja Sainz admitted the charge and his sanctions were subsequently imposed by an independent Regulatory Commission.

“Full written reasons for this case will be published in due course.”

Norwich City’s Borja Sainz has been suspended for six matches and fined £12,000 following a breach of FA Rule E1.1 that took place during their EFL Championship match against Sunderland on Saturday 21 December 2024.

Full statement: https://t.co/P2otqWjsHD pic.twitter.com/LCvM0BLdZZ

— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) January 10, 2025

🔰 Sainz has released this statement. 📃#NCFC 💬 @NorwichCityFC pic.twitter.com/gV0j6vVhjM

— Talk Norwich City (@TalkNorwichCity) January 10, 2025

SAINZ STATEMENT:

“Following today’s announcement from The FA, I want to take this opportunity to issue a sincere and public apology for my actions during our game against Sunderland.

“Spitting at an opponent is completely out of character for me, and my reaction in that moment was unacceptable. I deeply regret my actions and take full responsibility.

“I want to apologise directly to the opposing player, Chris Mepham, for my behaviour. Additionally, I extend my apologies to my teammates, our coaching staff, and our fans. I am deeply disappointed in myself for letting all of you down through my conduct

“While I am saddened to miss the upcoming games, I will use this time to reflect, learn and refocus, so that I can return stronger and continue contributing to the team for the rest of the season.

“Thank you for your understanding and support, Borja.”

Fans gave their reaction as Norwich’s Borja Sainz issues statement after being fined and banned for six matches for spitting…

@chris17howes: Gives him time to sort his head out he has been well off the pace lately imo

@AdamFirrell: Can’t really argue with that. Spitting is the lowest of the low. At least we have the Jan window to get someone in 🤞🏽

@Ginger_Canary: We knew this was coming and he got exactly what he deserved for his disgusting actions. It’s hard to say as to whether this incident will have a knock on effect on results but it’ll be interesting to see who steps up to the plate and if the club speeds up the Jurasek talks #ncfc

@SAFC_Freddie: well deserved ban for a dirty rat of of a player, rolled around on the floor all game then spits at a player when he doesn’t get what he wants, horrible horrible little man

@WGraver23: Silly and unprofessional from Borja. Fair ban. Hopefully he can come out the other side stronger and learn from it, and we can make do in the meantime #ncfc

@NateGee7: It’s his own doing. Spitting at another player is indefensible. Disgusting behaviour. Hopefully this deflates his ego a little bit too

@Kate011085: Spitting on someone is absolutely vile, shows zero respect, I hate to say it but this one is deserved but it does make Kennys one look even more soft now…#ncfc

@JohnGordonSaker: Has let us all down. Reflects badly on club and city. What an idiot. Needs to be fined heavily by the club too. His tantrums, selfishness and behaviour of late have been unacceptable. Hopefully his absence will prove we’re not a one trick team.

@johnkaystractor: 6 Game ban and fine rightly so. His behaviour that day was a disgrace. There seemed to be lots of “gamesmanship” and play acting which was a shame as they played pretty well in the day.

@PaulSmith1961: He’s a piece of shit – absolutely zero excuse for that and I don’t give a fuck who he is or who he plays for – disgusting!

@les_canaris: Can’t even argue with this one, spitting is not defendable

@RKH4658: Disgusting from Sainz, inexcusable and massively let the team down. 6 game ban isn’t enough for spitting at a player!

@ncfctom: He’s properly, properly let all of us down here. Don’t care how good a player he is. Disgraceful. I hope the club fines him substantially.

@Charl1eKing: at least he won’t leave in jan now i suppose

@RyanPearce5: Pretty grim thing to do. Well deserved ban in all honesty.

@e_sunderland: Horrendous the way he behaved, worst I’ve seen from a player this level for a long time.

@FPL_Jonno: Norwich fan, but it’s fully deserved can’t go around spitting at people, if it was an opponent player spitting at one of ours we’d all be asking for a lengthy ban