Jonny Evans banned for SIX games and Papiss Cisse gets SEVEN-match spitting suspension

The FA also confirmed Cisse's seven match ban after Senegalese striker pleaded guilty to spitting at Evans following an altercation between the pair during Wednesday's Premier League clash at St James' Park.

The incident was not seen by referee Anthony Taylor but was caught on video.

Both players were charged by the FA after a three-man panel of former referees said both players should have been dismissed for their actions.

The suspensions will begin with immediate effect and neither player can appeal against the sanction.

"Both players were charged in relation to an alleged breach of FA Rule E1 in that in or around the 38th minute of the fixture they spat at each other," the FA said in a statement.

"Mr Cisse accepted the charge and his suspension consists of six matches, which is the standard penalty for this offence, with an additional one match as he has previously accepted a violent conduct charge this season.

"Mr Evans denied the charge but it was found proven following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing on Friday [6 March], resulting in a six-match suspension."

In the aftermath of the incident, Cisse, 29, apologised for his actions but Evans, 27, denied deliberately spitting at his opponent.

Evans will now miss United's FA Cup quarter-final match against Arsenal, followed by league games against Tottenham, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Chelsea.

Cisse, who is Newcastle's top scorer, will miss fixtures against Everton, Arsenal, Sunderland, Liverpool, Spurs, Swansea City and Leicester City.