Diego Costa banned for eight games for abusing referee

    Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa has been handed an eight-match ban for hurling abuse at a referee.

    The former Chelsea player was sent off by official Jesus Gil Manzano during Atletico's 2-0 loss to Barcelona in La Liga.

    Manzano said in his match report that the Spanish international had "insulted his mother", a claim Costa, 30, denied.

    The Spanish Football Federation's ban rules him out of Atletico's remaining La Liga fixtures this season.

    More from Sport

    Listener Club

    Get more with the Listener Club!

    • The Golden Era The Golden Era

      The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm

    • Bhangra Nights Bhangra Nights

      Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm

    • Alim OnAir Alim OnAir

      Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.

    • Legal Show Legal Show

      Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.