Juventus Forward Costa Banned for Spitting
Juventus forward, Douglas Costa, has been banned for four Serie A matches after spitting at Sassuolo winger, Federico Di Francesco.
During Juventus’ clash with Sassuolo on Sunday night, Costa was red-carded by referee Daniele Chifi for aiming an elbow and headbutt before spitting in Di Francesco’s face.
The 28-year-old appeared to be reacting to something Di Francesco apparently said to him on the pitch. Juventus went on to beat Sassuolo 2-1.
Costa took to Instagram after the match to apologise for his conduct, although he replied to one comment, writing: “You don’t know what [Di Francesco] said to me. But no big deal … I say sorry to all those who I have to say it to, because I did wrong.”
When asked about Costa’s card, Juventus coach, Massimiliano Allegri, said: “Douglas Costa surprised us, but he will prove that it was an isolated incident … he will serve four games and we will not appeal.”
Costa will now miss Juventus’ upcoming matches against Frosinone, Bologna, Napoli and Udines.
