Alleged spitting by Castellanos clouds West Ham’s 2-2 draw at The Den
Taty Castellanos, 27, was accused of spitting at Millwall goalkeeper Filip Marschall, 23, during West Ham’s 2-2 draw at The Den on 19 September 2026, an allegation that detracted from a match in which the Hammers recovered from 2-0 down and finished with 10 men.
The incident occurred in the 65th minute with Millwall leading 2-0; Marschall was waiting with the ball at his feet until he was closed down and only then picked it up to launch a clearance as Castellanos raced forward. TV footage showed Marschall appearing to indicate a spot on his shirt to Premier League referee Paul Tierney that he claimed was spit, and Millwall later lodged a complaint with the match officials.
Both managers said they had not seen the episode, which was on the far side of the pitch from the dugouts. Millwall boss Alex Neil said: "I haven't asked [Filip] about it, but it's like anything else. 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. "I didn't know what had happened, I'd just seen Filip walking out with the ball and thinking 'Where's he going?'. "And then the fourth official basically said that there was an accusation of spitting."
West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo addressed the allegation directly after the game: "I'm aware of the allegation. I didn't see the images, I didn't speak with Taty [Castellanos]. "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 allegation overshadowed a positive second half for West Ham, who altered their shape and intensity to overturn a two-goal deficit and secure a draw. Nuno told BBC Radio London: "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. "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."
Nuno also said the three-week international break offers time to address defensive issues that led to both Millwall goals, adding: "We are learning [about this division] but we can't waste much time. "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."
