Nurnberg midfielder Javier Pinola has been hit with a four-game ban by the German football federation after being found guilty of "glaring unsportsmanlike conduct".
Pinola has been punished for spitting at Bayern Munich's Bastian Schweinsteiger in a Bundesliga encounter at the weekend.
Nurnberg coach Dieter Hecking said the club accepted the ruling.
"Javier Pinola's failure is a loss for us, but we must accept the punishment," he said.
"We will compensate for the loss of Javier Pinola, the team has the quality and our full confidence."
Pinola, who has been fined by his club and will also make a charitable donation, expressed his regret over the incident. He had already spoken to Schweinsteiger to apologise before today's hearing.
"I represent the team, the whole club was hurt, and I want to apologise," Pinola said.
"I have a role-model function, particularly for children, so I will donate an amount to a social institution which campaigns for children."
Related Articles

Hrustic's brace secures Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt's win

Former A-League youngster loaned to German 2. Bundesliga side
