Millwall goalkeeper Filip Marschall claims he was spat at by Taty Castellanos during the 2-2 draw. The incident, which occurred in the 65th minute, took place while Mill were leading 2-0.
Marschall was standing with the ball at his feet when Castellanos approached, and he only lifted the ball to clear it as Castellanos closed in to apply pressure. Television cameras captured the 23-year-old Marschall showing the referee a spot on his shirt, which he claimed was saliva. Following the match, it was reported that Mill had lodged a complaint with the match officials.
Mill manager Alex Neil and his counterpart at West Ham, Nuno Espirito Santo, stated that they had not witnessed the incident. The incident occurred on the opposite side of the pitch from the bench. Neil stated that he had not spoken to Filip about the matter and that he would be extremely surprised if Filip had made the accusation without something having actually happened. He also stated that he did not know what had occurred, having only seen Filip take the ball out.
Nuno stated that he was aware of the allegation but had not seen the footage nor spoken to Taty Castellanos. Under the rules, the penalty for spitting is typically a six-match suspension, if proven.
The incident was a blot on an otherwise positive second half for West Ham, who changed their formation and intensity to chase down two goals. Nuno told BBC Radio London that it had been a difficult match and that they had not started well. He stated that in the second half, they improved their play and that their passing was better. He highlighted that the players showed character and that he was satisfied with that, but disappointed that they had not stuck to the plan. In the end, he said, their fans were satisfied, not in the way they had hoped, but given the flow of the match, he considered it a positive result.
Nuno added that the international break comes at the right time for West Ham. He stated that they are learning about this league but must not take too long. He said that the physicality of the opposition is punishing them and that it is worrying that they are conceding goals from set-pieces. He believes that this international break will be very beneficial for them.
