Pique: I tried to calm Costa after red card

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has moved to end specualtion that he looked to antagonise Diego Costa after the Atletico Madrid forward was sent off at the Nou Camp on Saturday.

The former Chelsea striker was shown a stright red card by referee Gil Manzano on 28 minutes, and he later revealed that he dismissed the 30 year-old for using offensive language.

After an short delay, Costa eventually exited the pitch, although Pique pursued his former Spanish international team mate and whispered something to him.

The Catalan centre back was rumoured to have said something imflammatory to Costa, however he has moved to quash those rumours.

"All I said to Costa was to calm down and to stop talking to the referee.

"I asked do you want a four match ban?"

Costa's sending off will now be reviewed by La Liga, and he could face a early end to his season if he is found guilty.

Tags Diego Costa. Ateltico Madrid Gerard Pique
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