Atletico Madrid Boss Diego Simeone Faces 3 Match Ban

Madrid, Apr 28 (Prensa Latina) Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has been handed a three-game touchline ban that will cover his side's last three La Liga matches of the season against Rayo Vallecano, Levante and Celta Vigo.

Simeone has been sanctioned after he was sent to the stands during Atleti's 1-0 win over Malaga at the Vicente Calderon on Saturday when a ball was thrown on to the pitch, seemingly in an attempt to disrupt one of the visitors' attacks.

Though the Argentinian manager did not appear to be the person who threw the ball, he is responsible for "monitoring what happens around his technical area" and has been punished accordingly.

Simeone had no issue with bearing the responsibility and said after the match that the referee had made the right decision. He will also have to pay a fine and also his team.

It is a big blow for Atleti as they are still firmly in the hunt for La Liga title and are tied on points with leaders Barcelona.

Simeone will still be able to carry out all his usual managerial duties, but his absence from the touchline could prove crucial at key moments in the run-in.