La Liga has ruled that fiery Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone instructed a ball boy to toss a ball on the pitch in order to try and break up a Malaga attack.
That ruling will cost Simeone dearly, as the respected manager will not be allowed to coach Atleti in its final three matches of La Liga’s season.
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Simeone will be able to run Atleti in the UEFA Champions League semis, which begin Wednesday against Bayern Munich.
However, Atleti is still very much in the race for La Liga’s crown, level on points but behind Barcelona on tiebreakers. Real Madrid is a point back with 81 points.
For what it’s worth, Simeone isn’t disputing the charge:The Argentine, 45, appeared to instruct a ball boy to throw a ball on to the pitch to disrupt a Malaga attack during Atletico’s 1-0 win on Saturday.
Simeone, who was sent to the stands at half-time, said: “It is clear the referee took the correct decision.”Follow @NicholasMendola
