Spanish Football Federation Bans Simeone for Eight Matches
Atletico Madrid coach, Diego Simeone has been served an eight-match ban for his unruly behaviour in his team’s 1-0 win over Real Madrid in the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has banned the 44-year-old Argentine for four games after he tapped the fourth official on the back of the head after a heated exchange during Atletico’s 2-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid. He was banned for two more games for protesting against the officials and a game each for applauding a red card and not leaving the ground afterwards.
Simeone was sent off midway through the first half for complaining that Atletico right-back, Juanfran had not been allowed back on to the field quickly enough after receiving treatment for a facial injury.
Simeone has apologised, saying: “When you commit an error you have to ask for forgiveness and I accept it was an error. I exaggerated in trying to get Juanfran on.”
He will now be represented on the pitch during games by his assistant coach, German Burgos, starting with Atletico’s league opener against Rayo Vallecano on Monday night.
