A footballer in Germany has been banned by for seven months after spitting in a linesman's eye.
German midfielder Clemens Fandrich was sent off in Erzgebirge Aue's 1-0 win over Ingolstadt over dispute about a throw-in.
However, it was revealed that referee Nicolas Winter gave the midfielder a straight red for spitting in Roman Potemkin's eye.
The 30-year-old will now miss the rest of the season for the second division outfit after he was found guilty by the German FA for violence against a referee.
"Violence against referees and their assistants is punishable by suspensions of six months to two years," DFB disciplinary chief Hans Lorenz said, as per the Sun.
"The tribunal took into account Fandrich's previous impeccable behaviour in 12 years of professional football.
"However spitting in an assistant's face is such a serious matter that we considered a heavier punishment."
Fandrich, however maintains his innonence after the verdict and revealed he will fight the ban.
"I am shocked. It is an absolute lie, and a slur on my reputation," he added.
"I didn't spit at him. I will get a lawyer to see how I can fight back."
