Douglas Costa risks ban

Juventus winger Douglas Costa risks at least a three-match ban, possibly closer to five, after spitting at a Sassuolo player.

The Brazilian was a substitute in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Sassuolo at the Juventus Stadium.

There was a tussle with Federico Di Francesco, the son of Roma Coach Eusebio, in the build-up to the Sassuolo consolation goal in the final minutes.

First he seemed to lash out an elbow, then attempted a head butt.

The pair continued arguing until Douglas Costa spat at Di Francesco from point-blank range.

It was caught on camera and the VAR officials in the booth immediately alerted the referee, who sent him off.

There is no mandatory ban in Serie A for a straight red or for spitting, but there are some precedents.

This type of incident tends to warrant a three-match ban.

Douglas Costa could well be worse off because there was also the elbow and headbutt to take into account.