Chelsea’s Costa gets three-match suspension, as Gabriel wins appeal against red card

Kayode Ogundele
Kayode Ogundele
Gabriel vrs Costa

Striker Diego Costa will miss Chelsea’s next three domestic matches after a Football Association charge of violent conduct was upheld.

Costa denied the charge, relating to an incident involving Laurent Koscielny during Saturday’s 2-0 win over Arsenal.

Costa, 26, put his hands in Koscielny’s face before clashing with Gabriel, who was sent off but had a three-game ban overturned earlier on Tuesday.

Gabriel
Gabriel

In a statement, Chelsea said they were “disappointed” with the verdict.

Costa’s ban covers Chelsea’s League Cup match at Walsall on Wednesday along with Premier League matches against Newcastle and Southampton.

Having confirmed the match officials did not see the incident between Costa and Koscielny, the FA supplied video footage to a panel of three former elite referees.

Each had to independently rule Costa’s actions to be an instant red card for the FA to proceed with the charge.

Arsenal defender Gabriel was sent off by referee Mike Dean for violent conduct after raising his leg and catching Spain international Costa.

The FA has charged Gabriel with improper conduct for failing to leave the pitch immediately after being sent off, and both clubs with failing to control their players.

All three parties have until 18:00 BST on Thursday to reply to those charges.

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