Bolton quick to punish Diouf

Bolton have fined El Hadji Diouf two weeks' wages for spitting at Arjan De Zeeuw.

The Senegal star was caught on television confronting De Zeeuw during Portsmouth's 1-0 win at The Reebok on Saturday and he clearly spat at the Dutchman.

De Zeeuw confirmed after the game that he was spat at and now Bolton have reacted angrily and chairman Phil Gartside confirmed action has already been taken.

"The club does not tolerate such behaviour from its players and we had no alternative but to evoke the maximum fine against El Hadji Diouf," said Gartside.

"Bolton Wanderers takes great pride in its very proactive family image and the incident has left a sour taste.

"We do not condone the actions taken by the player and for that he has been severely punished."

Diouf himself has also issued an apology, but that is unlikely to save him from a heavy punishment form The Football Association.

"I deeply regret my actions and wish to publicly apologise to Arjan De Zeeuw and Portsmouth football club," said Diouf, who is currently on a season-long loan from Liverpool.

"I have let down my manager, Sam Allardyce, and team-mates.

"I am a role model to many thousands of fans throughout the world and my behaviour showed a lack of moral responsibility to the public who support me.

"I am deeply sorry and embarrassed about the incident."

De Zeeuw himself added: "I was a bit sunned and I could not believe it.

"I did get a bit temperamental, but I was not going to get sent off although I did feel like punching him.

"It was cowardly and I have said already that I would rather he punched me in the face.

"I will leave it to the Football Association, everyone has seen it and I am sure he will get some stick.

De Zeeuw stated that he would not be taking legal action against Diouf.

"That is a bit over the top, I said I hope it was happening in the heat of the moment, he can swear at me and slap me - but not that," he told Sky Sports.

"I was very disappointed with him."

It is the second time Diouf has been caught on camera spitting during his time in England after he spat at Celtic fans during a European tie whilst with Liverpool last year.

Cleveland Police are still investigating another alleged spitting incident, where Diouf is accused of spitting on a Middlesbrough fan during a game earlier this month.