Chelsea striker Diego Costa charged with misconduct by FA after Everton dismissal

Costa has been charged for his actions at Goodison Park
PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images
Sam Long14 March 2016

Diego Costa has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association in relation to his dismissal during Chelsea's FA Cup defeat against Everton on Saturday.

Costa was sent off for the first time in his time in England in the final minutes of the 2-0 quarter-final loss at Goodison Park after coming together with Barry.

Television footage showed Costa pressing his mouth against Barry’s neck and appeared ready to bite before calming down and embracing him.

Standard Sport was told on Sunday that the FA contacted Everton and made enquiries over the incident, and that the Merseyside club - on behalf of Barry - told the FA that no bite had occurred.

While Costa faces no further FA action regarding that incident, he also confronted referee Michael Oliver following his dismissal, and the striker has until Thursday to respond to a charge of improper conduct.

The striker has also been asked to explain an alleged offensive gesture made towards Everton fans at half-time, and will need to provide his "observations" by Wednesday.

A statement from the FA released on Monday afternoon read: "Diego Costa has been charged in relation to Chelsea’s FA Cup sixth round fixture against Everton on Saturday 12 March 2016.

"It is alleged his behaviour, after being shown a second yellow card in the game, amounted to improper conduct.

"He has until 6pm on Thursday 17 March 2016 to respond to the charge.

"Meanwhile, the Chelsea striker has until Wednesday [16 March 2016] to provide his observations to The FA in relation to an alleged gesture he made towards Everton supporters while leaving the pitch at half-time."

In Pictures: Everton vs Chelsea

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Following Costa's response, the FA would refer any such incidents to the Independent Regulatory Commission in order to hear the matter.

There is precedent for the FA banning players for improper conduct in such a manner, with Arsenal defender Gabriel handed a one-match ban after admitting a charge of that nature following his dismissal against Chelsea in September 2015.

Former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez was handed a one-match ban in December 2011 after admitting to an FA charge of improper conduct for an offensive gesture made towards Fulham supporters.

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