Source: Daily_Mail
Antolin Alcaraz faces three-match ban after charge in spitting storm
Wigan captain Antolin Alcaraz faces a three-match ban after the Football Association charged the defender for spitting at a Wolves opponent. [LNB]TV cameras appeared to catch Alcaraz spitting at Wolves defender Richard Stearman during the Latics 3-1 defeat at Molineux.[LNB]Referee Lee Probert failed to spot the 83rd-minute incident, so the FA disciplinary chiefs retrospectively reviewed the video footage to consider an improper conduct charge. [LNB]The FA said in a statement: 'Wigan Athletic's Antolin Alcaraz has today been charged by The FA for spitting at an opponent.[LNB] Spit storm: Antolin Alcaraz is caught launching a mouthful[LNB] [LNB] [LNB]'The incident, which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video, relates to his side's game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.[LNB] 'The player has until 6pm on November8, 2011 to respond to the charge. If the player admits the charge he may accept an automatic three match suspension.'[LNB]Wigan manager Roberto Martinez, whose side slumped to an eighth straight defeat in the Barclays Premier League, also promised to look into the controversy.[LNB]'I haven't seen it yet,' said the Spaniard. 'No-one has told me anything. I will, however, have a look at it and find out.' [LNB]Alcaraz was involved in a tussle with Christophe Berra as Wolves defended a corner late in the second half. The Paraguay centre half fell to the floor and was patted on the head by the Berra as play moved upfield. [LNB] No escape: Wigan defender Alcaraz faces a three-match ban after being charged[LNB] It then appeared that the Wigan man spat at his opposite number, sparking a furious reaction from home players. However, the stand-in skipper hit Richard Stearman instead, which sort of summed up the visitors' day. [LNB]Stearman confirmed he had been spat at but added: 'I don't want to speak about it.' [LNB]Wolves boss Mick McCarthy had not seen it, but said: 'He shouldn't be doing it. Spitting is taboo. It happened to me once when I was playing and the person who spat at me didn't come near me again. It's unacceptable behaviour.' [LNB] Wolves 3 Wigan 1: Alcaraz spit storm clouds corner turning win for McCarthy's men'I will give my life to keep Wigan in the Premier League,' Martinez insistsAll the latest Wigan news, features and opinionAll the latest Wolves news, features and opinion[LNB] [LNB]
