FA charge Antolin Alcaraz with spitting at an opponent

Richard Stearman claims he was the victim of a spitting incident (GETTY IMAGES)

Wigan's Antolin Alcaraz is facing a three-match ban after being charged by the Football Association with spitting at an opponent.

TV cameras appeared to catch Alcaraz spitting at Wolves defender Richard Stearman during the Latics 3-1 defeat at Molineux.

The FA said in a statement: "Wigan Athletic's Antolin Alcaraz has today been charged by The FA for spitting at an opponent.

"The incident, which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video, relates to his side's game against Wolverhampton Wanderers [yesterday].

"The player has until 6pm on November 8, 2011 to respond to the charge. If the player admits the charge he may accept an automatic three match suspension."

It was initially thought Alcaraz had spat at Wolves centre-back Christophe Berra but Stearman confirmed he was the player targeted by the Paraguay defender.

Stearman was reluctant to comment, but admitted: "It wasn't Berra, I'll give you that, but I don't think it's right for me to talk about it at the moment."

When he was asked if he was spat upon, he replied: "Yes, but I'm not going to speak about it.

"I can confirm it happened and that it was me rather than Berra. I'll let other people talk about it and let other people deal with it.

"I won't push for anything, it's one of those things - but it's not nice."

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy was furious about the incident.

McCarthy said: "Spitting is taboo if that's what happened. I only had it happen to me once and the player didn't come too close to me for a long time after that.

"If it has been shown, that is unacceptable behaviour and anyone here who was spat at would act accordingly. If that has happened, he shouldn't be doing it."

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez said: "I haven't seen it yet (the replays). If that is the case, I'll look into it and I'll find out."

PA