The Football Association have charged Diego Costa with violent conduct following his actions in Chelsea’s win over Arsenal on Saturday.
The controversial Spanish international put his hands in the face of Laurent Koscielny, which prompted a reaction from the latter’s team-mate Gabriel Paulista who was sent off and has been charged with improper conduct. Both clubs have also been charged for failing to control their players, including Costa who has until 18:00 BST on Tuesday 22 September to respond.
“Off the ball incidents which are not seen at the time by the match officials are referred to a panel of three former elite referees,” said an FA statement. “Each referee panel member will review the video footage independently of one another to determine whether they consider it a sending-off offence. For retrospective action to be taken the decision by the panel must be unanimous.”
Mike Dean booked both Costa and Gabriel for the spat, but he issued a red card to the Arsenal man after he kicked out at the former Atletico Madrid forward. The defender, and both clubs, having until 18:00 BST on Thursday 24 September to respond to the charges. Santi Cazorla, who was also sent off for the Gunners during the match, has been warned about his behaviour.
