Borja Sainz has publicly apologised following the Football Association's (FA) announcement of a six-match suspension stemming from a spitting incident during Norwich City's Championship match against Sunderland. This ruling, confirmed by The Pink'un, was issued by an independent regulatory body and takes immediate effect, commencing with the FA Cup third-round match against Brighton on Saturday. In addition to the suspension, Sainz has been fined £12,000.
Norwich City have chosen not to appeal the suspension, meaning that the 23-year-old forward will miss crucial league fixtures, including matches against Sheffield United and Leeds later this month, as well as home games against Swansea and Derby, plus an away fixture at Watford. He is expected to return for the home game against Preston on February 11.
In a statement released through the club’s official channels, Sainz expressed his regret: "Following today's announcement from the FA, I want to take this opportunity to issue a sincere and public apology for my actions during our game against Sunderland. Spitting at an opponent is completely out of character for me, and my reaction in that moment was unacceptable. I deeply regret my actions and take full responsibility. I want to apologise directly to the opposing player, Chris Mepham, for my behaviour. Additionally, I extend my apologies to my teammates, our coaching staff and our fans. I am deeply disappointed in myself and for letting all of you down through my conduct. While I am saddened to miss the upcoming games, I will use this time to reflect, learn and refocus, so that I can return stronger and continue contributing to the team for the rest of the season. Thank you for your understanding and support. Borja."
Sainz was charged last week in relation to the incident, with Norwich City officials submitting their observations to the independent regulatory body. The charge stated: "Norwich City's Borja Sainz has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E1.1 following their EFL Championship match against Sunderland on Saturday, December 21, 2024. It is alleged that the forward committed the sending off offence of spitting at an opponent during the 74th minute."
This incident marks Sainz as the third Norwich player to face FA charges this season, following Kenny McLean, who received a four-game ban for a separate incident during a 3-0 defeat at QPR on December 7, and Angus Gunn, who was fined £4,500 for misconduct but avoided suspension after admitting to improper behaviour during half-time of that match.
The recent suspension has cast a shadow over Norwich City, particularly since the FA’s investigation into Sainz began after the team’s draw against QPR on December 29. The uncertainty surrounding Sainz's absence has placed additional pressure on head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup, who has relied heavily on the player's contributions this season, especially as the Championship’s leading scorer.
With the ruling now established, Thorup faces the challenge of strategising without Sainz for the upcoming matches. Despite an impressive start to the season, which included consecutive EFL Player of the Month awards, Sainz's form has dipped recently, as he failed to score in December and faced criticism for his decision-making on the pitch. Thorup commented, "He's struggling a little bit to find a way to deal with the fact that he's now one of our most important players. The opposition know that every time we play, so that's another step in his career." This suspension may provide Sainz with an opportunity to regroup away from the pressures of the spotlight, potentially benefiting both him and the team in the long run.
In terms of replacements, Onel Hernandez emerges as a viable option for Thorup. Although primarily deployed on the right flank, Hernandez has previously excelled on the left side during his time with Norwich. Emiliano Marcondes has also shown versatility, although he has been more effective in central roles. Given the current lack of depth in senior players, Norwich City has bolstered their squad by signing Lewis Dobbin on loan from Aston Villa, a timely decision in light of Sainz's suspension.
As the team confronts this latest challenge, they must adapt quickly to maintain their momentum in a season characterised by unpredictability. The situation underscores the ongoing pressures of a long-term rebuild, emphasising the need for consistency and for the supporting cast to step up during this critical period.