Diego Costa's eight-game ban for his outburst at referee Jesus Gil Manzano is "too much", according to Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone.
The Spain international was dismissed during the first half of his side's 2-0 defeat to Barcelona last Saturday and the official wrote in his post-match report that Costa had insulted his mother and, after being shown a red card, grabbed his arm to try to stop him from booking Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez.
It was confirmed on Thursday Costa had been suspended for eight games and would consequently miss the rest of the season, though Atletico were given 10 working days to lodge an appeal.