Taty Castellanos found himself at the centre of the story at The Den, where an allegation that the 27-year-old West Ham forward spat at Millwall goalkeeper Filip Marschall took some of the shine off a pulsating London derby that finished 2-2 and ended with the Hammers down to 10 men.
The flashpoint came in the 65th minute, with Millwall leading 2-0. Marschall, 23, had the ball at his feet and was waiting to be closed down, only picking it up to launch a clearance as Castellanos raced forward to apply pressure. Television cameras caught the keeper appearing to show Premier League referee Paul Tierney a spot on his shirt that he claimed was spit. After the game, broadcasters were told Millwall had lodged a complaint with the match officials.
Both managers said they had not seen the incident, which occurred on the far side of the pitch from the dugouts. Millwall boss Alex Neil told reporters he had not asked his goalkeeper about it, adding: “I’m sure there’ll be footage of it – or not if it didn’t happen. I’d be extremely surprised if Filip’s made an accusation and nothing’s happened. I’m sure the authorities will deal with it.” Neil explained that he had initially only noticed Marschall walking out with the ball before the fourth official informed him there was an accusation of spitting.
West Ham counterpart Nuno Espirito Santo was equally careful not to pass judgement. “I’m aware of the allegation. I didn’t see the images, I didn’t speak with Taty,” he said. “I cannot go much further on that, I’m sorry. For me to answer that, I have to see it. I’m going to look at the images. I cannot answer.” Spitting offences typically carry a six-match ban if proven.
The controversy was a blot on a strong second half from West Ham, who changed shape and intensity to wipe out a two-goal deficit. “It was a tough, tough game. We didn’t start very well, it was a very intense atmosphere and we didn’t deal with the physicality,” Nuno told BBC Radio London. “The second half we improved in our game. Our passing was better. The players showed up – I’m happy for that but I’m disappointed we didn’t stick to the plan. In the end our fans were happy, not in the way they wanted. But the way the game went I think it’s a positive result.”
The West Ham manager also welcomed the timing of the three-week international break, which he intends to use to address the defensive fragility that allowed both Millwall goals. “We are learning [about this division] but we can’t waste much time,” he added. “We are being punished with the physicality. Just look at the goals we are conceding from throw-ins, it’s worrying. This international break will be very useful for us.”