Diego Simeone banned for eight games

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has been handed an eight-game ban by the Spanish Football Federation following his actions during Friday's Supercopa second leg against Real Madrid.

Simeone was sent off during the first half of the clash at the Vicente Calderon after aggressively remonstrating against a refereeing decision and then tapping the fourth official on the back of the head.

The Argentine’s ban has been made up of four different punishments and includes a combined fine of €4,805 for the Rojiblancos boss. Atletico have also been fined €2,800.

Simeone has 10 days to appeal the ruling, which apply to any RFEF competition.

The four sanctions for Simeone included a four-match ban for twice tapping the official’s head and a two-match suspension for the protests which led to his sending off.

Simeone was also given two further bans of one match each for sarcastically applauding the official’s decision and for remaining in the stands instead of going to the changing rooms after his dismissal.

Simeone, who has apologised for his actions in Friday's game which Atletico won 1-0 thanks to Mario Mandzukic's early goal to lift the Supercopa 2-1 on aggregate, was also sent off in his side's Champions League final defeat to Real in May.

The 44-year-old was dismissed following an ugly on-field spat with Real defender Raphael Varane just before the end of the 4-1 extra-time defeat, and was subsequently handed a one-match European ban by Uefa.

Atletico assistant coach German Burgos will take charge in Simeone’s absence, with the Primera Division champions in action on Monday night against local rivals Rayo Vallecano in their season opener.