FA charges Papiss Cisse, Jonny Evans over alleged spitting incident

The Football Association is intervening after an alleged spitting incident marred the first half of Manchester United's 1-0 win at Newcastle on Wednesday.

Footage revealed Jonny Evans spitting at Papiss Cisse before the Senegalese forward appeared to react with some spit of his own, and both players have been charged by the FA for an alleged breach of FA Rule E1[a].

Both United and Newcastle released official statements regarding the incident. However, they featured two very different takes.

United's statement saw Evans insist he was unaware of any spitting incident, saying: "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."

Newcastle's statement, meanwhile, saw Cisse apologise for his conduct, saying: "I have apologies to make to a lot of people today. Firstly to my teammates and to our supporters, secondly to Jonny Evans, and thirdly to every football fan who saw the incident between myself and Jonny."

Cisse and Evans have until Friday to respond to the charge.