Simeone handed three-match ban for Málaga ball incident
The Atlético manager bears the brunt of the LFP's wrath over the throwing of a ball onto the pitch when Málaga were launching at attack in the Calderón.
The RFEF’s disciplinary committee has slapped Atlético manager Diego Simeone with a three-match ban over the introduction of a ball onto the pitch during the 1-0 victory against Málaga last week.
As a result, Simeone will not be in the dug-out for the side’s final three league games of the season, against Rayo (h), Levante (a) and Celta (h).
The RFEF based its decision on Article 101.2 of the Disciplinary Code, which prevents “the serious alteration of the game’s order.” Match referee Mateu Lahoz sent Simeone off after the incident, which took place when Málaga were launching an attack in the Calderón.
With no apparent culprit, Lahoz referred to the rule book, which states that if nobody can be identified as having thrown the extra ball into play the manager must take the blame.
Atlético attempted to avoid Simeone being handed the ban by stating that a ball-boy was responsible, which television replays appear to sustain.