Daniel Podence is ‘almost certain’ to serve a six-game ban for Wolves after being charged for allegedly spitting at Brennan Johnson.
That is according to ESPN editor Dale Johnson.
Podence was last night charged by the FA for the incident that took place towards the end of Wolves’ game with Nottingham Forest.
The winger had an altercation with Johnson, and appear to spit at him.
But replays showed no actual spit came out of his mouth. VAR determined there was no evidence and therefore no red card was issued.
But Podence still got charged by the FA, and has until April 12 to appeal.
But Johnson has explained why the 27-year-old is now likely to have to serve a six-game ban.
He said on Twitter this morning: “As far as I’m aware, a player has never been charged when an incident has been watched by the VAR. As I understand it, Nottingham Forest will have made direct representations to the FA about Daniel Podence wanting action. Written reasons in a few weeks could be interesting.
“The only realistic difference is that it’s a spitting case, though the TV replays we’ve seen don’t really show clear evidence Podence actually spat. Have been cases of possible violent conduct off the ball in recent weeks looked at by the VAR, with no FA charge.
“Almost certain now that Podence will be banned for 6 matches. Whereas the VAR needs clear evidence to intervene, the FA panel will only need to make its judgement based upon the ‘balance of probability’. And a written statement from Brennan Johnson will probably seal it.
“With the video evidence, plus Johnson’s reaction and his statement (and perhaps other Forest players), the FA will very likely rule in the ‘balance of probability’ Podence did spit. Very, very, very few players escape a ban once the FA has laid a charge upon them.”
A very questionable outcome if Daniel Podence gets banned for six games, after Wolves winger is charged for allegedly spitting
If Podence gets banned for six games then it will be highly controversial.
Spitting is disgusting, and players who do it should be thrown the book at, no question.
But the replays are there for everyone to see – no spit came out of his mouth. He is a fool for making that motion, and who knows why he did that. But there is seemingly no evidence of him actually spitting.
Max Kilman backed Podence and his character earlier this week. And you would like to hope there was nothing untoward.
It will certainly be very interesting to see how this situation unfolds in the coming days.