Footballer Clemens Fandrich banned for seven months for SPITTING in linesman’s eye in blazing row over a throw-in

GERMAN midfielder Clemens Fandrich has been banned for seven months … for SPITTING in a linesman’s EYE.

Fandrich, 30, plays for second division club Erzgebirge Aue.

GettyClemens Fabdrich turns out for Erzgebirge Aue[/caption]

However he will miss the rest of the season after the German FA found him guilty of a vile attack on referee’s assistant Roman Potemkin.

Fandrich blew his top near the end of Aue’s 1-0 home win over Ingolstadt over a disputed throw-in.

Ref Nicolas Winter red-carded the Berlin-born player after Potemkin said Fandrich had spat in his right eye.

The former RB Leipzig ace insisted after the October 22 game that he was not guilty.

However the DFB, Germany’s FA, has now banned him until May 22 next year – and told him he is lucky not to sidelined for TWO YEARS.

DFB disciplinary chief Hans Lorenz said: “Violence against referees and their assistants is punishable by suspensions of six months to two years.

“The tribunal took into account Fandrich’s previous impeccable behaviour in 12 years of professional football.

“However spitting in an assistant’s face is such a serious matter that we considered a heavier punishment.”

Fandrich has a week in which to appeal against the verdict.

He said after the sending-off: “I am shocked. It is an absolute lie, and a slur on my reputation.

“I didn’t spit at him. I will get a lawyer to see how I can fight back.”

Read our Football news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals