Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jonny Evans and Papiss Cisse have been charged by the FA for the incident which appeared to involve both players spitting during Manchester United's 1-0 win over Newcastle last night.
United defender Evans today released a statement regarding the incident on United official website, denying that he had spat, while shortly after Cisse also released a statement in what appeared to be an admission of guilt.
Evans' statement read: "Having woken up this morning I am shocked to have seen the media coverage from last night’s match. I would like to make it clear that I did not spit at Papiss Cisse.
"I was totally unaware of any spitting incident and had assumed that the issue at the time was with the challenge and his attempted retaliation to the tackle from the floor. During the game Papiss Cisse and I spoke about the incident and it is clear by my reaction in the television footage that I was totally surprised by any suggestion of spitting.
WATCH THE INCIDENT BELOW
"It is not in my character or in my nature to spit at anybody nor is it something I have ever done or would ever do. It is certainly not something that I did last night."
Cisse said in a statement on Newcastle's official website released soon after Evans's: "I have apologies to make to a lot of people today. Firstly to my team-mates and to our supporters, secondly to Jonny Evans, and thirdly to every football fan who saw the incident between myself and Jonny.
"I reacted to something I found very unpleasant. Sometimes it is hard not to react, particularly in the heat of the moment. I have always tried hard to be positive a role model, especially for our young fans, and yesterday I let you down.
"I hope children out there playing football for their clubs and schools this weekend will know better than to retaliate when they are angry. Perhaps when they see the problem it now causes me and my team they will be able to learn from my mistake, not copy it."
Neither player was booked at the time by referee Anthony Taylor.
After the match both managers said they missed the incident, however Louis van Gaal did say he didn't think Evans would be guilty.
"I don't think Jonny Evans is a spitter," said the United manager.
The pair have until 6pm tomorrow evening to respond to the charge.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments