Douglas Costa: Juventus winger suspended for four Serie A games after spitting incident

Costa escaped with a booking for elbowing and head-butting Sassuolo's Federico Di Francesco, but was sent off after cameras caught him spitting at the same player in another altercation

Juventus winger Douglas Costa has been suspended for four Serie A matches after spitting at Sassuolo's Federico Di Francesco during Sunday's game, the Italian league has said.

Costa escaped with a booking for elbowing and head-butting Di Francesco, but was sent off after cameras caught him spitting at the same player in another altercation.

Juventus won the game 2-1 despite the dismissal of Costa, who apologised for his behaviour after the match in a statement.

Costa was also reprimanded for his behaviour by his manager.

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri said Costa's actions had “damaged” and “shocked” the squad, insisting it was “totally out of his character”.

The Italian added: “He's apologised, he'll pay with a four-match ban and he'll show with fair play on the pitch that this was an isolated incident.”

The 28-year-old Brazilian will miss league games against Frosinone, Bologna, Napoli and Udinese but is eligible to face Valencia in the Champions League later on Wednesday.