New Delhi: Norwich City’s top scorer, Borja Sainz, has been handed a six-match suspension and fined £12,000 by the Football Association after admitting to spitting at Sunderland defender Chris Mepham. The incident occurred during Norwich’s 2-1 defeat at the Stadium of Light in December. The Spanish forward, who has been pivotal to Norwich’s season with 15 goals and three assist in the Championship, acknowledged his actions and expressed regret in a public apology.
“Spitting at an opponent is completely out of character for me, and my reaction in that moment was unacceptable,” said Sainz. “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 been a standout performer for Norwich this season, currently leading the Championship’s scoring charts. However, he has not added to his goal tally since November. Despite the spitting incident, the 22-year-old has continued to feature in games, playing a key role in Norwich’s recent unbeaten run of three wins and a draw. The suspension comes at a critical juncture in Norwich’s campaign, with several important fixtures on the horizon.
BREAKING: Norwich City’s Borja Sainz has been suspended for six matches 🚨 pic.twitter.com/9mBYnvyT8B
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 10, 2025
Sainz will miss Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie against Brighton & Hove Albion, followed by challenging Championship matches against Sheffield United, Leeds, Swansea City, Watford, and Derby County. His absence will undoubtedly test Norwich’s depth and their ability to maintain their push for promotion. Sainz, however, vowed to use this period as an opportunity for personal growth and improvement.
The club has not commented publicly on the incident beyond acknowledging the FA’s decision. However, it is expected that manager Johannes Hoff Thorup will look to other attacking options to fill the void left by Sainz’s absence. The likes of Ante Crnac and Liverpool loanee Kaide Gordon will need to step up as Norwich faces a demanding schedule in the coming weeks. While Sainz’s actions were a setback, his immediate acknowledgment of responsibility and commitment to growth may help repair his relationship with the club and its supporters.
Borja Sainz’s goals not enough for the Canaries
Up for the cup 💥🏆
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) January 10, 2025
Norwich City are struggling for form in the Championship this season and Borja Sainz’s goals haven’t been enough for Johannes Hoff Thorup’s side. After reaching the semi-finals of the play offs last time around, Thorup would’ve hoped for his side to compete for promotion again this season but it hasn’t gone to plan for them. They’re currently occupying 11th place in the table and are four points behind the final play off spot.
An automatic spot seems out of reach for them now with there being a difference of 16 points between themselves and Burnley, who sit second. Sainz’s goals had carried the side but with the winger drawing a blank in the last eight games, their attack has been exposed. Josh Sargent and Onel Hernandez, the two other attackers that were contributing goals for the Canaries have been ruled out due to injury for an unknown period of time making things even more challenging for this club that once used to yo-yo between the Premier League and the EFL Championship.
Norwich City’s star attacker and top scorer of the EFL Championship, Borja Sainz, has been hit with a six game suspension for spitting on fellow Championship player Chris Mepham during a December fixture. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
