Premiership: Festa: I never spat at Phillips

Middlesbrough defender Gianluca Festa has denied spitting at Kevin Phillips during Tuesday night's derby victory at Sunderland.

Festa was dismissed by referee Paul Durkin after appearing to spit Phillips' face following a 52nd-minute tussle.

But writing in the Boro programme ahead of the game with Charlton, Festa said: "I'd like to apologise to my team-mates for my sending-off against Sunderland on Tuesday.

"I put the team down to 10 men and forced them on to the defensive for what remained of the match.

"But it is very important that I give my side of the story. I never spat at Kevin Phillips.

"Spitting is one of the worst offences you can commit on a football field and I am horrified that anyone should accuse me of this.

"I took an elbow in the face from Phillips in an off-the-ball incident that was not spotted by the referee. That caused my mouth to bleed.

"He insulted me and called me names, so I moved my head towards him to try to shut him up. Again, I deny that I spat at him, but some blood did come out of my mouth as I remonstrated with him.

"I couldn't believe it when I was shown the red card. I will speak with the manager and I know I have to accept whatever punishment he gives me.

"I just want people to know the true version of events. During the last five years at Middlesbrough I have always tried to act correctly on the field.

"May I repeat, I feel bad at getting sent off and for putting the team in a difficult situation. But I hope Boro supporters will appreciate what really went on."

Festa's claims of innocence cut little ice with manager Steve McClaren, who fined him a fortnight's wages for his misdemeanour.