Athetico Madrid’s star striker Diego Costa will not feature for the rest of the season after the Spanish Football Federation on Thursday handed him an eight-game ban.
In the away fixture against Barcelona, Costa was sent off during the first half after he hurled insult towards game referee Gil Manzano. The referee reported that the Spaniard also grabbed him by the arms. Atletico registered a two goal defeat in the match.
Costa’s ban comprises of four games for using insulting or offensive words towards an official, and an additional four games for the use of light violence towards referees.
Costa’s suspension means that the forward will miss the rest of the season. Atletico were fined €2,800 (£2,400), while Costa was fined €6,010 (£5,178). The club can lodge an appeal in the next 10 days.
