Costa handed three-match ban
Diego Costa has been banned for three matches after the Chelsea striker was found guilty of violent conduct.
The Football Association has announced that an independent regulatory commission ruled that Costa deliberately stamped on the ankle of Liverpool’s Emre Can in Tuesday night’s Capital One Cup semi-final second leg.
Diego Costa suspended for three games after Independent Regulatory Commission upholds charge http://t.co/qlnUii21kk pic.twitter.com/4da3jgi2Y3
— England Football (@EnglandFootball) January 30, 2015
Costa and Chelsea have no right to appeal, with Costa ruled out of Saturday’s Premier League showdown with Manchester City, as well as matches with Aston Villa and Everton.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho claimed the incident, which occurred in front of the dugouts but was missed by the match officials, was ``absolutely accidental''.
It was subsequently reviewed on video by referee Michael Oliver, with the charge following on Wednesday as part of the FA’s fast-tracked procedures.
Costa contested the charge on Thursday, but on Friday was found guilty and immediately banned.
A FA statement read: “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 today (Friday, January 30, 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, January 27, 2015.
“The incident was not seen by the match officials but caught on video.”
