Costa hit with three-match ban

The Football Association has banned Chelsea striker Diego Costa for three matches for violent conduct after a failed appeal.

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has been banned for three matches by the Football Association after failing with his appeal against a violent conduct charge for a stamp on Liverpool’s Emre Can on Tuesday.

Spain international Costa was challenging for the ball by the touchline in the first half of the second-leg tie at Stamford Bridge when he forcefully stood on Can’s shin.

The incident went unpunished during the match, which Chelsea won 1-0 to progress 2-1 on aggregate, as referee Michael Oliver did not see the challenge. 

The FA subsequently charged Costa with violent conduct, a decision the player contested.

However, an FA Independent Regulatory Commission upheld the original ruling and handed out a three-match ban.

“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,” an FA statement read.

“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.”

The news is a huge blow to Chelsea ahead of Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash with Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.

Costa is also set to miss out on the trip to Aston Villa on February 7 and the home match with Everton four days later.