Cisse and Evans banned for spitting

Newcastle’s Papiss Cisse and Manchester United’s Jonny Evans will serve suspensions of seven matches and six matches respectively for spitting, the Football Association has announced.

The duo have been punished following an altercation between the pair during Wednesday’s Barclays Premier League clash at at St James’ Park.

Striker Cisse accepted his FA charge on Thursday but defender Evans pleaded not guilty and his case was heard on Friday night.

The duo have now been handed lengthy suspensions, with Cisse’s punishment one game higher than the standard tariff for spitting due to an earlier sending-off this season.