Man United defender Jonny Evans and Newcastle striker Papiss Cissé face FA spitting probe

Neither player was punished by the referee at St James' Park. Credit: Reuters

Jonny Evans and Papiss Cissé are facing likely bans and fines from the Football Association after appearing to spit at each other during a Premier League game.

The incident took place after 39 minutes of yesterday's 1-0 victory for Man United at Newcastle.

United defender Evans appeared to spit down at Cisse as he lifted himself off the ground following an innocuous collision. The Newcastle forward retaliated by moving his head towards Evans and spitting into his face.

Neither player was cautioned by referee Anthony Taylor, who didn't see the altercation, and both are now expected to be punished retrospectively.

Ex-Newcastle midfielder Dietmar Hamann and Phil Neville, a former Man United defender, condemned both players on last night's Match of the Day highlights show.

Hamann said: "This is not acceptable. It's disgusting," while Neville added: "It's unacceptable. Both those players will be embarrassed."

Man United manager Louis van Gaal told reporters after the game: