Angel Di Maria could be set for an extended spell on the sidelines in Serie A after he was shown a straight red card in a humbling defeat for Juventus.
The Old Lady lost 1-0 at Monza on Sunday after Christian Gytkjaer came off the bench to score the winner in what was a historic result for the newly-promoted club. Di Maria, 34, was given his marching orders towards the end of the first half after lashing out at Armando Izzo.
The winger was frustrated during a tussle with the defender and elbowed him in the chest, resulting in his dismissal to leave Juve with over half the game to play with 10 men. He will definitely miss the upcoming league games against Bologna and AC Milan as he serves a two-match ban.
However, he could also miss a further game - the local derby against Torino - after making a remark to the referee as he trudged off the pitch. Furious with the decision, Di Maria could be seen aiming some choice words at the official, who was left looking stunned.
While it is not known what the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star said, Serie A chiefs could upgrade his ban if he was disrespectful towards the referee. That would pile more misery on Juve, who are languishing in eighth in the table with only two wins from their opening seven games.
They made the trip to Monza without Massimiliano Allegri in the dugout because the manager was serving a ban of his own. The Italian was sent off one week earlier for his vehement protests after Juve conceded a dramatic and controversial added-time goal to draw 2-2 with Salernitana.
In Allegri's absence, Marco Landucci took charge and the assistant boss tore into his players after they dropped yet more points and Monza claimed their first ever Serie A victory. "When you lose, the fans will complain. We have to shut up, listen and work," Landucci said.
"It's normal that there are complaints, Juve must do better. It would have been better to play another game immediately but you have to wait for [after the international] break. You have to give a strong signal and definitely do better."
Despite Juve's dismal form, Allegri has received the backing of club chiefs, while Di Maria took to Instagram after Sunday's loss to post a lengthy apology to fans. He wrote: "I want to apologise to everyone for this inappropriate reaction I had on the pitch.
Where will Juventus finish in Serie A this season? Have your say in the comments...
"Leaving the team with one down at such a difficult time in the championship cost us the game. Losing is my own fault. I am soo sorry. I'm a professional but also a human who makes mistakes and knows how to recognise them. I want to apologise to everyone for this inappropriate reaction I've had on the pitch.
"Leaving the team with one down at such a difficult time in the championship has cost us the game. Losing is all my fault. I am soo sorry. I'm a professional but also a human being who makes mistakes and knows how to admit them."
