Jonny Evans and Papiss Cisse face SIX-MATCH bans as FA launch probe into spitting

Evans and Cisse appeared to spit at each other during Manchester United's 1-0 win at Newcastle last night.

The pair clashed after Evans tackled Cisse in the first half, with television replays suggesting both men had spat during an ugly confrontation.

Disciplinary chiefs are now awaiting match referee Anthony Taylor's report while reviewing video footage from the game at St James' Park.

And reports claim both players could be facing up to six-match bans - in accordance with FIFA rules.

Both players could be retrospectively banned by the FA, although United boss Louis van Gaal defended Evans.

Van Gaal said: "I didn't see that from the bench. It's too far to see spitting, so I cannot judge that.

"But I cannot imagine that Jonny Evans, because he is a very modest person, that he could do that. I cannot imagine."

Newcastle boss John Carver claimed not to have seen the incident too but insists spitting must be punished.

"I am aware of it now, it's been brought to my attention, but I've not seen it," he said.

"I just saw a fracas by the half way line. The referee spoke to them both so I need to have a look at it myself. The players haven't said anything about it to me in the dressing room."

Asked if he would take action, Carver added: "You can't do it, can you? It's one of the worst things in football."

BBC pundits Dietmar Hamann and Phil Neville were both scathing of the incident.

Ex-Newcastle player Hamann said: "This is not acceptable. It's disgusting."

Former Manchester United defender Neville added: "It's unacceptable. Both those players will be embarrassed."