Juventus winger Douglas Costa has been suspended for four games after spitting at Sassuolo’s Federico Di Francesco.
Costa was sent off in stoppage time of Juventus’ 2-1 win on Sunday after the intervention of the video referee.
His punishment was confirmed in a disciplinary update on the Italian Football Federation’s (FIGC) official website which read: “Suspended for four matchdays – Douglas Costa de Souza (Juventus): for behaviour contrary to the regulations.
“In the 48th minute of the second half, (Costa) spat in the face of an opponent; infringement detected by VAR.”
The Brazilian’s suspension applies only to domestic matches, meaning he remains available for Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Valencia.
Coach Massimiliano Allegri said at his pre-match press conference, in quotes reported on the club’s Twitter feed: “My decision on Douglas Costa for tomorrow will be a purely technical one.”
Costa’s antics overshadowed Cristiano Ronaldo’s first goals in a Juventus shirt.
Allegri added that the club will not appeal, while captain Giorgio Chiellini said Costa has the support of his team-mates.
Earlier on Tuesday, Di Francesco rejected reports he racially abused Costa in the moments leading up to the offence.
Speculation began after Costa claimed in a social media post on Monday: “You do not know what he said to me.”
Quoted on Sassuolo’s official Twitter feed, Di Francesco responded: “I am deeply troubled by the allegations and the inventions appearing in some national media. This is offensive and disparaging.
“I do not allow myself to be attributed to racist behaviours and/or phrases that do not belong to my ethical values and which are the fruit of others’ imaginations. I ask and I demand respect.”
Sassuolo had just pulled a goal back through Khouma Babacar when Costa and Di Francesco squared up.
Costa already looked to have lost his composure after aiming an elbow and a headbutt moments earlier – but the worst was to come as he spat directly at Di Francesco from inches away.
