In years gone by, a late Manchester United winner would have been the key talking point of the week but Ashley Young‘s late strike against Newcastle was overshadowed somewhat.
Early in the game, Jonny Evans appeared to spit in the direction of Magpies striker Papiss Cisse before the Senegalese international spat back in Evans’ direction.
With bans certain for the pair, Cisse apologised and accepted a six-match ban whilst the United defender appealed his charge on Friday.
Whilst it would have been difficult for Cisse to defend himself, Evans’ claim would have been he was simply spitting towards the ground after a challenge, rather than directly at an opposing player.
Supporters were split on the decision. Most believed the ban was excessive compared to other charges, some supported the defender’s defence whilst one or two are just happy he can’t play for six games.
@PeoplesPerson_ Right decision but 6 games is too much for spitting
— Vikash (@VikashVik69) March 7, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ why did both get bigger bans than Boyd who got 3 matches? Punishment is excessive compared to bans for Racism tho
— // (@HBK_MUFC) March 7, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ Bit harsh – He didn't spit at him #fansview
— DanMcAlister3 (@DanMcAlister) March 7, 2015
@peoplesperson_ it wasnt right, it too much but am happy he is suspended. Cant take watching that CRAP anymore!
— Kingsley (@KingsleyMUFC) March 7, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ good news.maybe the FA gave us an excape route to do without him
— Kwaw NeBa (@paaquayson) March 7, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ Absolutely not, he definitely has to appeal.
— Silvio Scicluna (@silvscic) March 7, 2015
Despite two relatively settled performances against both Newcastle and Sunderland, with Evans being part of a defence that kept clean sheets in both, his performances have dropped this season with fans bemoaning his inclusion in starting line-ups.
Fortunately, United’s defensive crisis has eased over the course of the season with Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo and Patrick McNair all fit and available for a crucial run of games.