The Brazilian star, 28, spat in the face of Sassuolo's Federico Di Francesco during this weekend's 2-1 win.
In turn, Costa may now face a massive fine and lengthy ban… but he took to Instagram to suggest he was provoked.
Costa said: "You don't know what he said to me. But no big deal…
"I say sorry to all those who I have to say it to, because I did wrong."
Costa had moments earlier scored the winner – but flew off the handle by elbowing, headbutting and then spitting into the mouth of Di Francesco.
Now, boss Massimiliano Allegri has slammed the former Bayern Munich winger's actions.
Allegri said: "Maybe he was irritated at a foul before. But it doesn't matter, because this absolutely must not happen.
"The one thing we must avoid doing is falling for provocation. We could have scored a third goal, but instead we started to play as individuals.
"We tried to dribble past everyone. This wound up the opposition, who then reacted badly and you get to situations like Douglas Costa."
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