On a day marked by intense rivalry at The Den, a significant incident overshadowed the thrilling match between Millwall and West Ham United, which concluded in a 2-2 draw with the Hammers reduced to 10 men. The controversy centered around Taty Castellanos, the 27-year-old forward for West Ham, who allegedly spat at Millwall goalkeeper Filip Marschall during the game.

The incident reportedly took place in the 65th minute, with Millwall leading 2-0. As Marschall prepared to clear the ball, he was closed down by Castellanos, who was applying pressure. TV cameras captured Marschall appearing to show Premier League referee Paul Tierney a spot on his shirt, claiming it was spit.

Following the match, it was revealed that Millwall had lodged a formal complaint with the match officials regarding the incident. Both managers, Alex Neil of Millwall and Nuno Espirito Santo of West Ham, expressed they had not witnessed the occurrence, which unfolded on the opposite side of the pitch from their respective dugouts.

• Alex Neil remarked:

I haven't asked [Filip] about it, but 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.

• Nuno Espirito Santo added:

I'm aware of the allegation. I didn't see the images, I didn't speak with Taty. I cannot go much further on that, I'm sorry.

If proven, spitting offences can lead to a six-match ban, heightening the stakes for Castellanos as the situation develops.