Chelsea striker Diego Costa has been retrospectively charged with violent conduct by the English Football Association over an incident involving Liverpool’s Emre Can.
[ RELATED: Costa could get three-games ]
Early in the Blues’ 1-0 win over Liverpool in Tuesday’s League Cup semifinal second leg, Costa appeared to stamp on Can’s leg right in front of both benches.
After the game Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was incensed by Costa’s actions, while Jose Mourinho tried to defend his star striker.
[ RELATED: Costa the PL’s new villain? ]
Costa now has until 1 p.m. ET on Thursday to either accept or appeal against the charge. If he appeals then his case will be fast-tracked and a final decision will be made prior to Chelsea’s huge top of the table clash against Manchester City on Saturday (Watch live, 12:30 p.m. ET on NBC and online via Live Extra) at Stamford Bridge.
Here’s the statement in full from the FA, as Costa would miss three-games if the panel deem his actions were worthy of a straight red-card offence: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.
The charge is in relation to an incident involving the Chelsea forward and Liverpool’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].
The player has until 6pm on Thursday 29 January 2015 to respond to the charge.
Following a review of an incident during the game involving Costa and Liverpool’s Martin Skrtel, The FA will not be taking any further action.Follow @JPW_NBCSports