Costa Receives 3 Match Ban

The Football Association has issued a 3 match ban to Chelsea striker Diego Costa for ’violent conduct’ in his side’s 1-0 League Cup victory over Liverpool on Tuesday night.

The Chelsea striker appeared to be running for the ball along the touchline, when he stamped on Emre Can’s leg in the first half. This action was deemed intentional by the Football Association, and  led to his ban. Though, his stamp on Martin Skrtel was adjudged as an accident .

Neither of these incidents was seen by referee Michael Oliver during the match, but the FA eventually charged Costa with ‘violent conduct’.  However, the FA later decided to uphold his initial ban and handed him a three match ban.

The FA statement read as follows:

“Diego Costa will serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect after a charge of violent conduct against him was found proven by an Independent Regulatory Commission on Friday 30 January 2015.”

“The Chelsea forward had denied the charge in relation to an on-field incident involving Liverpool’s Emre Can which occurred in the 12th minute of the League Cup semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday 27 January 2015.”

“The incident was not seen by the match officials but caught on video.”

Costa will miss this weekend’s top of the table clash against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, which will have a major bearing on how the title race will shape up.

He will also miss the premier league game against Aston Villa at Villa Park, and the subsequent home game against Everton four days later.

It’s not the first time this season that Diego Costa’s rowdy behavior in matches has come under question. He has so far received eight yellow cards this season.