Leeds United’s Samu Saiz will not contest six match ban for spitting

Leeds United’s Spanish talisman faces a six match ban from the FA after being sent off for spitting in the FA Cup loss at Newport County on Sunday.

Saiz wrote an apology on the Leeds United official website, saying:

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely apologise to the players, staff and supporters of Leeds United for my behaviour in yesterday’s game at Newport County AFC.

I would also like to apologise to Newport County AFC and Robbie Willmott for my actions.

I accept the punishment handed to me by The FA.

My actions are inexcusable, I give my word to all those connected to Leeds United Football Club that I will learn from this situation and never repeat it.

I am grateful for the support I receive from our fans and I understand that I am a role model to the next generation of Leeds supporters, I will ensure that my behaviour moving forward reflects that.

Saiz was sent off in the 90th minute of the FA Cup match against Newport County played at Rodney Parade yesterday. Leeds United lost the match 2-1 after Newport came from behind. The Welsh club had scored a late winner from a corner kick, and in the resulting celebration Samu Saiz had reportedly spit at a Newport County player.

The club will be facing the next six matches without the Spanish playmaker who has easily been the best player at the club this season. The club has struggled without Saiz on the pitch this season, most recently seen against Birmingham City when the club looked flat and ultimately lost 1-0.

Saiz will miss the matches against Ipswich Town, Millwall, Cardiff City, Sheffield United, Bristol City, and Derby County. These are all critical matches that will go a long way towards determining where Leeds will be placed in the table in April.

Hopefully the club will take steps in the January transfer window to address Saiz’s absence, because Leeds will sorely miss Saiz.