Douglas Costa handed four-game ban for spitting at Sassuolo’s Di Francesco

Juventus winger Douglas Costa has been suspended for four games after spitting at Sassuolo’s Federico Di Francesco.

Costa was sent off in stoppage time of Juventus’ 2-1 win on Sunday after the intervention of the video referee.

His punishment was confirmed in a disciplinary update on the Italian Football Federation’s (FIGC) official website which read: “Suspended for four matchdays – Douglas Costa de Souza (Juventus): for behaviour contrary to the regulations.

“In the 48th minute of the second half, (Costa) spat in the face of an opponent; infringement detected by VAR.”

The Brazilian’s suspension applies only to domestic matches, meaning he remains available for Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Valencia.

Coach Massimiliano Allegri said at his pre-match press conference, in quotes reported on the club’s Twitter feed: “My decision on Douglas Costa for tomorrow will be a purely technical one.”

Allegri added that the club will not appeal, while captain Giorgio Chiellini said Costa has the support of his team-mates.

Earlier on Tuesday, Di Francesco rejected reports he racially abused Costa in the moments leading up to the offence.

Speculation began after Costa claimed in a social media post on Monday: “You do not know what he said to me.”

Quoted on Sassuolo’s official Twitter feed, Di Francesco responded: “I am deeply troubled by the allegations and the inventions appearing in some national media. This is offensive and disparaging.

“I do not allow myself to be attributed to racist behaviours and/or phrases that do not belong to my ethical values ​​and which are the fruit of others’ imaginations. I ask and I demand respect”

Sassuolo had just pulled a goal back through Khouma Babacar when Costa and Di Francesco squared up.

Costa already looked to have lost his composure after aiming an elbow and a headbutt moments earlier – but the worst was to come as he spat directly at Di Francesco from inches away.