Douglas Costa has been banned for four matches after spitting at Federico Di Francesco in a match between Juventus and Sassuolo, Lega Serie A confirmed.
The Brazilian winger was initially booked for the confrontation with Di Francesco at the end of Juventus' 2-1 victory on Saturday - Cristiano Ronaldo with both of the goals.
However, VAR soon intervened when the scope of the offence became clear and the punishment was upgraded to a red card on the final whistle.
As the TV footage was seen, the condemnation flooded in for Costa and manager Max Allegri was reportedly furious with him for rising to the bait from the opposition.
Allegations have circled that Di Francesco racially abused Costa, but the Sassuolo man has vehemently denied them, asking for 'respect'.