Atletico Madrid coach, Diego Simeone, has been given an eight-match ban for his conduct in the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid.
Simeone defensive midfielder, 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 during his side’s 2-1 aggregate win over their City rivals
The 44 year old former Argentine player subsequently tapped the fourth official on the back of the head after a heated exchange
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) banned him for four games for that act – two games for protesting, one for applauding a red card and one game for remaining in the stands instead of leaving the stadium after his sending-off.
Simeone subsequently apologised and said he overreacted.
He said: “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”.
Assistant coach, Germán Burgos, will take over from the Argentine while he serves his suspension and he believes his number two will be a capable stand-in.
“German has the capacity and confidence; it gives me peace of mind that we understand football in the same way.
“He will sit on the bench and I will see it from another place”.
This is the second ban that the former Argentina international will get in two months.
Europe governing body, UEFA had handed Simeone a match ban in July, after he charged onto the pitch in the Champions League final tie against city rivals, Real Madrid ,during a verbal clash with Real’s French defender, Raphael Varane.
