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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Simon Rice

Costa charged with violent conduct by FA

Diego Costa and Laurent Koscielny clash during Chelsea's victory over Arsenal (Getty Images)

Diego Costa has been charged by the Football Association with violent conduct following his display in the fiery London derby between Chelsea and Arsenal.

Arsenal defender Gabriel, who was shown a red card in the match at Stamford Bridge for flicking his boot at Costa, has been charged with improper conduct.

The FA has also announced that both clubs have been charged with failing to control their players and that Santi Cazorla, who was sent off for two bookable offences, has been warned as to his future conduct.

In a statement, the FA explained that the charge against Costa was for an incident not seen by the match official relating to Laurent Koscielny.

Video pictures showed the Spain international flail an arm in the face of Arsenal defender Koscielny and also chest the same opponent to the floor.

Costa has until 6pm on Tuesday to respond to the charge. He could face a three game ban if found guilty which would mean missing Premier League games against Newcastle and Southampton plus this week's Capital One Cup match against Walsall.

Chelsea 2 Arsenal 0 player ratings  

After the incident with Kocielny, Costa was then involved in an altercation with Gabriel that led to the Arsenal defender being sent off. The charge levelled at Gabriel relates to his apparent refusal to leave the pitch after being shown the red card by referee Mike Dean for flicking a boot in the direction of Costa.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was highly critical of Costa after the game and bemoaned what he perceived as a lack of punishment for the controversial striker.

"He can do what he wants, he stays on and everybody else who responds to him has to be sent off. I think it is unacceptable his behaviour," said Wenger.

"If you look well at the pictures what he does to Koscielny before he pushes him down he hits him in the face and the throat, he always gets away with it."

 

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Arsenal have until 6pm on Thursday to respond to the Gabriel charge and the failure to control their players. Chelsea also have until that time to respond to the failure to control their players charge.

Arsenal suffered a miserable afternoon with Santi Cazorla also receiving his marching orders during the game which they lost 2-0 due to goals from Kurt Zouma and Eden Hazard.

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