Bolton today hit striker El-Hadji Diouf with a fine of two weeks' wages after he spat in the face of Portsmouth's Arjan de Zeeuw during yesterday's Barclays Premiership match.
Diouf issued an apology for the incident but was condemned by Bolton chairman Phil Gartside and Sam Allardyce for his actions.
The fine was the maximum Bolton are allowed to impose on the Senegal international, who is on loan from Liverpool.
A combined statement from Gartside and Allardyce said: "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."
While at Liverpool, Diouf was fined £5,000 by the Glasgow Sheriff Court for spitting at a Celtic fan during a UEFA Cup game.
Cleveland police also launched an investigation earlier this month after Diouf was accused of spitting at a Middlesbrough fan.
The World Cup star admitted his shame today for what De Zeeuw felt was a "heat of the moment" instinct.
"I deeply regret my actions and wish to publicly apologise to Arjan De Zeeuw and Portsmouth Football Club," said Diouf.
"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."
