CARL MAGNAY, the Hartlepool United player, has been banned for six games by the Football Association – after being found guilty of spitting.

Magnay was sent off for violent conduct in the closing minutes of Pools’ defeat at Wycombe last month, for which he was given a three-game suspension.

And it was claimed he spat at a home supporter as he walked towards the dressing room. Video evidence shows Magnay did spit, but it was on the ground and not in the direction of the crowd.

There was no flare up or heated incident at the time of the event and no official from Wycombe – or supporter – made any complaint or reported any incident until a home fan made a claim days later.

Pools only heard of the incident when Magnay was charged by the FA and club officials are backing the player 100 per cent.

Both player and club denied the charge, but he was yesterday found guilty at an FA hearing and banned for an unprecedented six games.

The club, understood to be greatly disappointed with the FA decision, is unable to comment further until it receives receives the Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for the decision, while there is a platform for an appeal as part of the process.

The suspension does not start until the report is received, which means Magnay can play against Luton on Saturday.

A full statement from The Football Association read: “Hartlepool United’s Carl Magnay has been suspended for six matches and fined £750 after he was charged for spitting at a spectator.

“The incident occurred after his dismissal in the 85th minute of the game against Wycombe Wanderers on 5th September 2015.

“The charge, which he denied at a personal hearing, was found proven following an Independent Regulatory Commission.

“The player’s suspension is set aside pending receipt of the Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for the decision.”

A Pools statement read: “The Club is extremely disappointed by the decision of the Independent Regulatory Commission following the charge made against Carl Magnay.

“We will now await the written reasons for their verdict before deciding how best to proceed but would like to make it absolutely clear that Carl retains our full and unwavering support.’’