Last Updated on March 12, 2020
Following Atletico Madrid’s clash at Anfield, Liverpool, Spain–and Brazil–player, Diego Costa, theatrically pretended to cough in the direction of journalists, after their stunning 3-2 away win after extra time.
Costa, 31, is no stranger to controversy. The former Brazil player has developed a reputation for his on and off-field antics surrounding his aggression.
According to the Daily Mail, Costa appeared to make a joke of the coronavirus which has claimed over 4,000 lives on a global level and has led to the postponement of several sporting leagues across the world.
Costa reportedly walked through the ‘mixed zone,’ which is designed for players to take interviews from the media, before refusing to talk to reporters.
He then dissimulated coughing at the journalists then erupting in laughter before leaving the grounds.
However, the Spanish international was the only one laughing.
Daily Mail reporter, Dominic King, tweeted: “Nothing like humour… and that was nothing like humour from Diego Costa.
“Walks through mixed zone, ignores all requests from Spanish media for interviews then coughs – theatrically – repeatedly as he breezes past. He was the only who laughed.”
The theatrics drew little support from aghast viewers and attendees.
In the UK, top-flight soccer fixtures will be played behind closed doors to minimize the spread of the deadly Covid-19.
The legendary CR7–Cristiano Ronaldo–was placed in isolation over coronavirus fears, after a Juventus teammate, Daniele Rugani, tested positive for the deadly virus.
Italy has considered imposing lengthy prison sentences for those who breach coronavirus isolation.
Other jurisdictions around the world have placed severe limitations on the congregation of large groups.
