Banned Hartlepool United defender Carl Magnay can’t wait to play again

The defender/ midfielder, outstanding in the opening stages of the seasson, is one game into a six-match ban.

Magnay was suspended by the Football Association after being found guilty of spitting following his sending-off at Wycombe last month.

The FA ruled the 26-year-old had spat towards a section of home fans, something the player vehemently denies.

Magnay has thanked the club and fans for supporting him and can’t wait to play again.

“I would like to thank everyone connected with Hartlepool United for their support and I look forward to representing the club again once my ban is complete,” he said in a statement released by Pools.

Both the club and player are unhappy with the FA’s ruling though they decided not to pursue an appeal following legal advice.

There is no doubting Magnay spat, but he insists it was not towards anyone.

“I categorically deny spitting on anyone and find the allegation made against me inaccurate,” he continued.

“This is something I find abhorrent and simply would not do.

“There is no reaction by those in the vicinity where I spit, something which is supported by the video evidence.”

Magnay will miss the rest of this month’s fixtures, Dagenham & Redbridge (a), Barnet (h), Crawley Town (h) and Wimbledon (a).

He will also sit out the FA Cup first round tie on Saturday, November 7, but will be available again for the televised home game against Leyton Orient on Sunday, November 15.

Chief Executive Russ Green added: “I am still astounded by the charge and the club’s support remains fully with Carl.

“I know that doing something like that is not in Carl’s nature and it’s disappointing for him and for the club that we will be without him for a period of time.

“He’s a committed professional though and there is no doubt that he will work hard in the coming weeks to ensure he remains in peak condition for when he is able to return.”