The verdict came in for Diego Simeone. The Argentinian coach was sanctioned with an eight game suspension after his show on last Friday’s Super Copa match against Real Madrid.
Simeone was sent off by referee Fernandez Borbalan after Simeone continuously protested the ref’s calls. After being sent off, Simeone turned to the assistant referee, who was asking him to leave the pitch, and patted his head two times.
Expulsado el "Cholo" Simeone, se calienta y le da un "Zape" al árbitro. https://t.co/msQ6jazYno vía @ActualFutbol
— Tiempo de Futbol (@TiempodeFutbol) August 22, 2014
The Spanish code of conduct stipulates that if a coach is sent off, he can’t be near the pitch at any time whatsoever. However, Simeone found a place near the bench, where he was passing orders to his assistant, German Burgos. The referees took note of this and asked him to leave, but Simeone never cared about this and carried on giving instructions.
After this behavior, Simeone has been suspended for eight games for the following reasons: 2 for the red card, four after hitting the ref, one for mocking the ref (applauding) and one more match for staying around the pitch. Atletico have announced they will appeal this decision, but chances are Simeone will have to endure his penalty until September 28.
Atletico start defending their La Liga Championship visiting Rayo Vallecano later this evening.
