Pique reveals what he said to Costa after red card against Barcelona

Gerard Pique has revealed what he said to Diego Costa in a bid to calm the Atletico Madrid striker down after his red card against Barcelona.

Costa was given his marching orders at the Nou Camp on Saturday night after shouting ''I s*** on you w**** mother' at referee Gil Manzano.

Pique was pictured having a word in the Spain striker's ear as he walked towards the tunnel, with some suggesting he was trying to wind-up Costa.

However, Pique has now defended his actions and explained that he was simply trying to stop the former Chelsea star from making the situation worse.

'All I said to Costa was to calm down and to stop talking to the referee,' the Barcelona defender said.

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

La Liga will review Costa's behaviour before making a decision on his punishment, but he could face a lengthy suspension with only seven games of the season left.

Atletico put up a fight with 10 men after the 30-year-old was dismissed in the first half, but they could not prevent Ernesto Valverde's men taking another step towards the title.

Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi both struck late on to hand the champions a crucial 2-0 victory, which sent them 11 points clear of Atletico at the top of the table.