Angel Correa has been handed a five-match suspension for insulting referee Guillermo Cuadra Fernandez following his dismissal in Atletico Madrid's defeat by Getafe. (More Football News)
The forward, who has scored seven goals for Atletico this season, was shown a straight red card in the 88th minute of the 2-1 loss for a high tackle on Getafe defender Djene.
Correa then repeatedly abused referee Cuadra Fernandez, who included the remarks in his match report.
The 30-year-old later apologised for his behaviour on social media, writing on X: "I have total respect for the referees and this reaction is not typical of me.
"I was very angry for leaving the team with 10 men at such a delicate moment and I reacted in the worst way. I hope he accepts my most sincere apologies."
Yet, despite this - and Atletico claiming he was "extremely nervous" - the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) ruled it "can never justify the series of severe expressions directed at the referee".
Correa will subsequently miss his side's upcoming LaLiga matches against Barcelona, Espanyol, Sevilla and Real Valladolid, as well as the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final tie with Barca.
