Chelsea FC striker Diego Costa will contest the Football Association charge of violent conduct after he appeared to stamp Liverpool‘s Emre Can in Tuesday night’s second leg of the Capital One Cup semi-final. In the second half, it looked like he also stamped Martin Skrtel, but the FA didn’t deem it worthy of further investigation.
A three-match ban has looked likely, but the striker will not accept the charge. He had until 6pm to respond to the charge of violent conduct and Press Association Sport understands the striker will be contesting. His appeal has full support of Chelsea and the club are believed to be vehemently behind the player.
The FA website on Wednesday said: a Diego Costa has been charged by The FA for violent conduct following an on-field incident which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video.
a The charge is in relation to an incident involving the Chelsea forward and Liverpoola s Emre Can which occurred in the 12th minute of the League Cup semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge last night [Tuesday 27 January 2015].
a Following a review of an incident during the game involving Costa and Liverpoola s Martin Skrtel, The FA will not be taking any further action.a
Meanwhile Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho insisted that both these incidents were accidental, and expressed his sentiments in the post match conference where he also blamed a Sky Sport pundit for having an agenda against Costa. The club have now cancelled their scheduled press conference on Friday morning.
Chelsea will not hold a press conference ahead of #MCFC match. Jose not impressed by FA decision to charge Diego Costa
a Ben Smith (@BenSmithBBC) January 29, 2015
Brendan Rodgers had praised the Chelsea striker but said that the player could have avoided this. These comments of the Northern Irishman also got him involved in a war of words with his (former) mentor Jose Mourinho.
a Hea s an outstanding player, and he obviously has this edge to him,a Rodgers said.
a When you see the TV replays, the one he had with Emre Can, that was poor, I thought. He could easily hurdle over the young player there, but he directs his studs right on to his ankle, which could have been nasty.
a Then the one on Martin Skrtel, there is no need to do it, thata s the sad thing. Hea s a top class player, and he is clever enough to make sure the officials didna t see it, but it was poor by him. You dona t want to see it.a