Castellanos spitting claim overshadows West Ham's show of character

On a day when eyes were focused on The Den with a fear that a fierce football rivalry could see the supporters of Millwall and West Ham make the headlines, it was one of the players that sparked the controversy.

Taty Castellanos is at the centre of the storm, after it was alleged the 27-year-old West Ham forward spat at Millwall keeper Filip Marschall during a pulsating game which ended in a 2-2 draw and with the Hammers down to 10 men.

The controversy, which unfortunately took some of the shine off an incredible contest, occurred in the 65th minute with the Lions leading 2-0.

Marschall was waiting with the ball at his feet until he was closed down, only picking it up to launch a clearance as Castellanos raced forward to apply pressure.

TV cameras caught Marschall, 23, appearing to show Premier League referee Paul Tierney a spot on his shirt he claimed was spit.

After the game, broadcasters were told Millwall had lodged a complaint to the match officials.

Millwall boss Alex Neil and Hammers counterpart Nuno Espirito Santo both told reporters they had not seen the incident, which was on the far side of the pitch from the dugouts.

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."

Nuno added: "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 come with a six-match ban, if proven.

The incident was a blot on a positive second half from the Hammers, who changed shape and intensity to wipe out a two-goal deficit.

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."

The Portuguese said the three-week international break comes at a good time for the Hammers, who can work on the defensive fragility which led to 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."