Chelsea striker Diego Costa will miss the Blues’ crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The Brazil-born Spain international was earlier suspended for the weekend for stamping Liverpool midfielder Emre Can in the first quarter of the Capital One Cup second leg semifinal.
The incident was not noticed by the referee and Costa denied the Football’s Association (FA)’s verdict, which suggested the stamp was intentional. However, video evidence suggested the former Atletico Madrid’s stamp was intentional and will now serve a three-match ban.
A statement on the FA’s official website read, ” Diego Costa will serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect after a charge of violent conduct against him was found proven by an Independent Regulatory Commission on Friday 30 January 2015.”
“The Chelsea forward had denied the charge in relation to an on-field incident involving Liverpool’s Emre Can which occurred in the 12th minute of the League Cup semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday 27 January 2015.”
“The incident was not seen by the match officials but caught on video,” it added.
The Premier League champions sit second in the league table with 47 points after 22 matches, trailing league leaders Chelsea by five points. A win for the Blues will see them take eight point lead over their closest rivals, while it will put pressure on City in retaining their title.
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