Juventus recorded their fourth successive Serie A win this afternoon with a 2-1 defeat of Sassuolo in Turin. With both goals coming from Cristiano Ronaldo, manager Massimiliano Allegri will not be overwhelmingly pleased, however, as footage emerged of Douglas Costa unmistakably spitting at an opponent.
Embroiled in a heated discussion with Sassuolo's Federico Di Francesco, the Brazilian winger proceeded to spit into the mouth of Di Francesco before walking away.
Leaving the Italian winger looking aghast at what had occurred, the sheer blatant manner in which Costa proceeded to spit at an opponent beggars belief.
This is going to be a huge story in world football. Douglas Costa spits in Federico Di Francesco's mouth during the #Juve and #Sassuolo game. pic.twitter.com/IXyYDClct8
— ELEVEN Football (@ElevenSportsFB) September 16, 2018
With the incident taking place in the final few minutes of the game, a collision between both players preceded the spitting incident.
As Sassuolo pulled back a goal late on, Douglas Costa pulled Di Francesco to the ground in the build up to that ultimately inconsequential goal.
Incredibly, in the immediate aftermath of that prior incident, Costa appeared to direct a headbutt toward the player.
It's all going on in Turin. A bad challenge from Douglas Costa, then an elbow, Sassuolo score, and then there's a headbutt and spitting. This will be HUGE news in Italy. #Juve pic.twitter.com/xJ2AJ3cNv5
— ELEVEN Football (@ElevenSportsFB) September 16, 2018
Although it would appear that Costa could be facing a lengthy ban, few are convinced such an outcome is likely.
Douglas Costa could’ve gotten two red cards there. Odds are he’ll get a three game ban reduced to two on appeal so he plays v Napoli. Stupid, petulant & totally unnecessary
— Adam Digby (@Adz77) September 16, 2018
Despite this, many have been quick to condemn what was a despicable act from the Brazilian player.
Douglas Costa is a disgrace
— OSI. (@Osi_Suave) September 16, 2018
Inexplicable impardonnable inacceptable Douglas Costa
— Simone Rovera (@SimoneRovera) September 16, 2018
Cristiano Ronaldo saves the day although Juve had another bad first half. Douglas Costa absolutely lost his head at the end of the game. Will and should get punished for the red card.
— hash (@hashim0307) September 16, 2018
