Norwich striker Borja Sainz has been banned for six games after admitting to spitting at Sunderland defender Chris Mepham in December.

The Championship top scorer has been fine £12,000 by the Football Association for an incident that occurred in the 73rd minute of Norwich’s 2-1 defeat at the Stadium of Light.

The Spaniard, who has scored 16 goals for the Canaries this season but has not added to his tally since November, said he “accepted responsibility” and “deeply regretted” what he had done.

“Spitting at an opponent is not normal for me and my reaction at that time was unacceptable,” Sainz said.

“I would like to apologize directly to the opposing player, Chris Mepham, for my behavior,”

“I would also like to apologize to my teammates, coaching staff and fans. I’m very disappoint in myself and for letting you all down with my behavior.”

Sainz has started four games since the incident, helping Norwich เว็บพนันออนไลน์ UFABET สมัครง่าย โปรโมชั่นมากมาย to three wins in that time without defeat.

The suspension means he will miss Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie at Brighton, as well as trips to Sheffield United and Leeds United in the Championship later this month.

He will be out of action for the games against Swansea, Watford and Derby before returning to action against Preston on February 11.