Borja Sainz has issued an apology after the FA confirmed he will miss six Norwich City games after a spitting incident in the Championship defeat to Sunderland.

An independent regulatory body imposed the sanction, which was confirmed on Friday and will take effect immediately, starting with Saturday’s FA Cup third-round home tie to Brighton. The City winger also received a £12,000 fine.

City have no plans to contest the ruling that sees the 23-year-old also miss the testing league trips to Sheffield United and Leeds this month, along with home games against Swansea and Derby and a trip to Watford.

Sainz would be available to return for Johannes Hoff Thorup’s squad at home to Preston on February 11.

He has issued an apology via the club’s channels, writing: “Following today’s announcement from the FA, I want to take this opportunity to issue a sincere and public apology for my actions during our game against Sunderland.

 

“Spitting at an opponent is completely out of character for me, and my reaction in that moment was unacceptable. I deeply regret my actions and take full responsibility.

“I want to apologise directly to the opposing player, Chris Mepham, for my behaviour. Additionally, I extend my apologies to my team mates, our coaching staff and our fans. I am deeply disappointed in myself and for letting all of you down through my conduct.

“While I am saddened to miss the upcoming games, I will use this time to reflect, learn and refocus, so that I can return stronger and continue contributing to the team for the rest of the season. Thank you for your understanding and support. Borja.”

The Championship’s 15-goal top scorer was charged last week, with City officials providing their observations which were then considered by an independent regulatory body.

The original charge read: ‘Norwich City’s Borja Sainz has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E1.1 following their EFL Championship match against Sunderland on Saturday, December 21, 2024.

‘It is alleged that the forward committed the sending off offence of spitting at an opponent during the 74th minute.’

Sainz is the third City player to be charged by the FA this season after Kenny McLean was hit with a retrospective four-game ban for an incident unseen by the match officials in the 3-0 Championship defeat at QPR on December 7.

That game also saw Angus Gunn charged with misconduct and fined £4,500, but escaping any ban, after admitting he behaved in an improper manner during half-time of that league fixture. Gunn kicked the officials’ electronic substitutes’ board at Loftus Road.