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Norwich City winger Borja Sainz has been handed a six-match suspension and fined £12,000 by the Football Association after admitting to spitting at Sunderland defender Chris Mepham during a Championship match on December 21. The incident occurred in the 74th minute of Norwich’s 2-1 defeat at the Stadium of Light.
Sainz, who leads the Championship scoring charts with 16 goals this season, has not found the net since November. Despite his impressive contributions earlier in the campaign, the 23-year-old Spaniard expressed deep regret over his actions, describing them as "completely out of character."
In a statement following the FA's ruling, Sainz said, "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 Chris Mepham, as well as to my teammates, coaching staff, and fans. I am deeply disappointed in myself for letting everyone down."
The suspension means Sainz will miss Norwich’s FA Cup third-round clash with Brighton & Hove Albion this Saturday, as well as five crucial Championship fixtures, including games against Sheffield United and Leeds United. He will be eligible to return on February 11 against Preston North End.
Norwich head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup acknowledged the severity of the situation, saying, "Borja definitely stepped over the line. While we support him as much as we can, it’s clear that such behavior is unacceptable. Losing one of our best players for six matches is a significant blow, but there are consequences for actions like this."
Thorup also highlighted the challenges Sainz has faced this season, with increased scrutiny from opponents due to his prolific start. "He’s been outstanding for us, scoring some of the best goals this season. But the extra attention has made things difficult for him. It’s a learning moment—if he aspires to play for a top team, he must handle the pressure and scrutiny that comes with it."
Despite the incident, Sainz has played in four matches since the altercation, helping Norwich maintain an unbeaten run during that period. The Spaniard remains determined to return stronger, saying, "While I am saddened to miss these games, I will use this time to reflect, learn, and refocus to contribute to the team for the rest of the season."
Since joining Norwich, Sainz has been a pivotal figure for the Canaries, but the suspension poses a significant challenge for both the player and the club as they navigate the season's critical period.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram / borjasainz29, pexels / Jonathan Petersson
