Scunthorpe midfielder Hayden Hackney banned for six games for spitting incident

Scunthorpe United v Salford City – Sky Bet League Two – Glanford Park
(Image credit: Richard Sellers)

Scunthorpe midfielder Hayden Hackney has been suspended for six matches after spitting at an opponent.

The 19-year-old has been sanctioned by the Football Association following a breach of Rule E1.1 for the incident in the first half of Iron’s League Two game with Exeter last weekend.

It was not seen by referee Craig Hicks at the time, but was picked up by video cameras and Hackney, who admitted the charge, was handed the automatic punishment.

An FA statement read: “Scunthorpe United FC’s Hayden Hackney has been suspended for six matches following a breach of FA Rule E1.1 that took place during their EFL League Two match against Exeter City FC on Saturday 15 January 2022.

“The midfielder’s behaviour during the 15th minute was not seen by the match officials at the time but it was caught on video.

“He subsequently admitted that it constitutes spitting at an opponent or any other person and accepted the automatic penalty.”

The suspension rules Hackney out of games against Newport, Bristol Rovers, Port Vale, Oldham, Walsall and Swindon.

Read more
Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts was sent off for a horrific challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta
New details emerge as FA seek further retribution after Liam Roberts' horror challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta
Arne Slot has a word with Michael Oliver during the post-match handshakes
Liverpool points deduction incoming? Ex Referees chief gives verdict following foul-mouthed outburst from Arne Slot
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - NOVEMBER 02: Ian Wright of Arsenal (Left) leads the celebrations with a little help from teammates Paul Merson (foreground) and Patrick Vieira (background) during the FA Carling Premier league match between Wimbledon and Arsenal on November 2, 1996 at Selhurst Park in London, England (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Allsport/Getty Images)
'I got reported to the police for making a rude hand gesture to Coventry City fans - I got a £17,000 fine': Arsenal legend reveals receiving severe punishment after Premier League game
Newcastle United and Aston Villa are said to have been involved in a tunnel room bust-up back in January
Revealed: Exactly what happened in the Newcastle tunnel bust-up you missed - with likely suspect front and centre
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 15: Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United in action during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at St James' Park on January 15, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
'I went to a factory in Newcastle because gambling is very widespread. People told me, several months after the ban, “I stopped betting because of what happened to you”': Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali reveals how he rehabilitated from gambling
Newcastle United have seen some superb Premier League goalscorers across the years...
Newcastle United suffer huge blow as extent of star player's injury revealed
Latest in
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
When does the summer transfer window open?
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Latest in News
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Jack Grealish
Manchester City report: Jack Grealish poised for European switch, with price revealed