Manchester United defender Jonny Evans and Newcastle forward Papiss Cisse could be hit with Football Association charges after appearing to spit at each other during the Premier League match at St James' Park on Wednesday evening.
Following those ugly scenes which unfolded after the pair had clashed on the halfway line, here are a number of other high-profile cases of players spitting at their opponents.
1990: FRANK RIJKAARD
Netherlands defender Rijkaard was guilty of more than one spitting offence against West Germany's Rudi Voller when the two sides met at the World Cup in 1990.
Having been booked for a tough challenge, Rijkaard spat into Voller's hair -- with the future Germany manager shown a yellow card -- before the resulting free kick was floated in and collected by Dutch goalkeeper Hans van Breuckelen.
Voller challenged Van Breuckelen and, while on the floor, was dragged to his feet by Rijkaard with both players sent off after a scuffle. To add to the unsavoury event, the Dutchman aimed another spray of saliva at Voller as the pair departed.
1999: PATRICK VIEIRA
France and Arsenal midfielder Vieira was no stranger to collecting red cards during his lengthy spell in north London.
The captain of Arsenal's "Invincibles," Vieira also had a number of incidents he would rather not be reminded of -- including his reaction when sent off during a 2-1 defeat at West Ham in 1999.
Having been shown a second yellow card, the midfield enforcer seemed to react to comments from Neil Ruddock and spat furiously at the Hammers' defender, picking up a fine and a six-game ban for his misdemeanour.
2004: FRANCESCO TOTTI
Another example of spitting on one of the biggest stages came courtesy of Italy talisman Totti at Euro 2004.
The Roma forward was hit with a three-match ban for spitting at Denmark's Christian Poulsen in the opening game of Group C after an appeal was lodged with UEFA following the goalless draw in Guimaraes.
It turned out to be Totti's only appearance at the tournament as, without one of their key men, Italy could only finish third behind Denmark and Sweden with Giovanni Trapattoni's side crashing out at the group stages.
2003: EL HADJI DIOUF