Manchester United defender Jonny Evans and Newcastle United striker Papiss Cisse have been charged by the Football Association in relation to an incident that occurred during the Premier League fixture at St James' Park.

After Cisse lashed out after a coming-together between the two, Evans appeared to spit in the direction of Cisse, which prompted a similar reaction from the Newcastle striker.

Cisse has since apologised for his part in the incident, but Evans, who has been supported by manager Louis van Gaal, has denied spitting at the Magpies player.

However, after official Anthony Taylor revealed in his report that he did not see the incident, the FA has charged both players after a panel of three former referees unanimously voted that the two players should have been handed a red card.

Evans and Cisse have until 6pm to appeal the decision, but if the charges stand, the two players face a six-match ban.