Norwich City talisman banned from Leeds United fixture after spitting at player

The Norwich City forward is the Championship’s top scorer and has netted 12 more goals than any other teammate this season

Norwich City attacker Borja Sainz will be banned from his club’s trip to Elland Road to face Leeds United later this month after he admitted to spitting at a player.

The 23-year-old – who is the Championship’s top scorer with 15 goals – has been handed a six-match suspension by the Football Association after admitting to spitting at Sunderland defender Chris Mepham in December’s fixture.

His ban starts immediately, meaning he will not be present for Norwich’s trip to Leeds on Wednesday, January 22. Sainz has also been handed a £12,000 fine.

The forward has released a statement apologising for his actions, describing it as “completely out of character”. He added: “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.

Sainz has taken to the field against Leeds four times in his career and has failed to come out on the winning side once, having also failed to register a goal in any of those outings. The winger played the full 90 minutes against Leeds at Carrow Road back in October.

The Spaniard’s absence will come as a huge blow for Norwich manager Johannes Hoff Thorup, who has relied on Sainz for most of his team’s goals output this season. He has scored 12 more goals than any other Canaries teammate this term.

Daniel Farke, meanwhile, will take on his former side without a striker of his own, with Patrick Bamford ruled out until late January. His recovery could stretch into February depending on how rehabilitation goes.