Juventus Forward, Costa Bags Four-Match Ban After Spitting Incident

Juventus forward Douglas Costa has been hit with a four-match ban after spitting at Federico di Francesco during a Serie A clash with Sassuolo.

The Brazil international has been stung by Serie A authorities following his red card during an Italian top-flight fixture on Sunday.

Juve were seconds from securing a 2-1 victory when their South American forward was sent from the field.
Having been drawn into a tussle with Di Francesco, Costa proceeded to aim his head, elbow and saliva at his opponent.

Costa has now been made aware of his punishment, with the referee’s match report and video evidence having been reviewed.

He has been charged with violent conduct and ruled out of four Serie A fixtures. Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri conceded after seeing his side edge out Sassuolo that Costa can have few complaints at being sanctioned.

He said: “It is only right that he is fined and he certainly will be.

“I was surprised by his reaction. We have suffered a goal, a red card and a suspension, which will be long.”

Reports in the aftermath of the incident suggested that Costa had reacted angrily to a racist barb aimed in his direction by Di Francesco.

The 24-year-old Sassuolo winger has strongly refuted those allegations, saying: “I am deeply disturbed by speculation and inventions that have appeared in some national media.

“It is all offensive and disparaging.

“I do not allow myself to be attributed to racist behaviours and phrases that do not belong to my ethical values and which are the fruit of others’ imaginations.
“I ask for and I demand respect.”

Juventus, who saw Cristiano Ronaldo open his goal account for the club by bagging a match-winning brace against Sassuolo, currently sit top of the Serie A standings.

Costa will play no part in trying to keep them there until late October, with fixtures against Frosinone, Bologna, Napoli and Udinese set to be sat out.