Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has been banned for the final three matches of the Primera Division season after he was sent to the stands during his side’s win over Malaga.
The Argentinian was dismissed after an extra ball was thrown onto the pitch, seemingly from the vicinity of the Atletico bench, which disrupted a Malaga attack.
El IDEÓLOGO pic.twitter.com/hJhCXTbdTO
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Simeone has insisted he did not throw the ball, but admitted the referee was right to order him from the touchline.
On Wednesday the Spanish Football Federation announced a three-game ban for the 45-year-old, meaning he will be missing from the dugout for the matches against Rayo Vallecano, Levante and Celta Vigo.
Saturday’s win over Malaga kept Atletico firmly in the title mix. They are level on points with leaders Barcelona and one clear of Real Madrid.
Simeone, who has the right to appeal the punishment, was also fined €3,005 and the club €1,050.
Atletico face Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday night.
