Sunday 16 September 2018 23:21, UK
Juventus forward Douglas Costa has apologised following his sending off for spitting in Sunday's Serie A match against Sassuolo.
The incident was referred to the video assistant referee, after which the match referee sent off the 28-year-old.
Costa has now released a statement on his Instagram account, writing: "I would like to apologise to all Juventus fans for this misleading reaction in today's game.
"I also apologise to my team-mates, who are always with me in beautiful and bad moments. It was ugly, I am aware of it and I apologise to everyone for this.
"I make it clear that this isolated attitude does not correspond to what I have always shown in my career."
Speaking after the match - which Juve won 2-1 thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo's first two goals for the club - manager Massimiliano Allegri criticised Costa for "rising to provocation".
Costa, who now faces an extended ban, had previously been booked for a spat with Di Francesco, including an elbow on his counterpart.
