Jonny Evans and Papiss Cisse in spit controversy: Manchester United defender and Newcastle striker could face action

Pair confronted each other during first half at St James' Park

Papiss Cisse appears to spit at Jonny Evans (Getty Images)

Jonny Evans and Papisse Cisse could face disciplinary action after appearing to spit at each other during a confrontation during Manchester United's game against Newcastle.

The pair were involved in a coming together during the first half of the Premier League encounter at St James' Park that United won thanks to a late Ashley Young goal.

After a tangle of legs near the halfway line, the pair then confronted each other.

As Cisse rose from the ground, the overbearing Evans appeared to spit down in the direction of the Newcastle forward.

Cisse then seemed to respond with a spit of his own, coming in close to the Manchester United defender before emitting saliva, however it appeared to miss Evans.

Neither player was booked at the time by referee Anthony Taylor but if the official missed the incident retrospective action could be taken against the pair.

After the match both managers said they missed the incident, however Louis van Gaal did say he didn't think Evans would be guilty.

"I don't think Jonny Evans is a spitter," said the Manchester United manager.

Jonny Evans and Papiss Cisse confront each other (GETTY IMAGES)

It's understood that the FA are to launch an investigation into the incident.

Last season Hull City player George Boyd was retrospectively banned for three matches after being found guilty of spitting at Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart.