The Football Association has confirmed that Diego Costa has been charged with violent conduct after taking retrospective action involving an incident midway through Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Arsenal.
Costa was heavily involved with an altercation with Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny prior to half-time that saw Gabriel shown a straight red card by referee Mike Dean.
However, the 26-year-old has now been punished after all of the matchday officials missed the first altercation which saw the Chelsea striker lash out at Koscielny sparking frantic scenes prior to the interval.
The former Atletico Madrid striker has until 18:00 GMT on Tuesday to respond to the charges.
The FA have also confirmed that Gabriel has been charged with improper conduct, while both clubs have also faced punishment for failing to control their players under FA Rule E20. Both clubs and Gabriel have until 18:00 GMT on Thursday to respond.
Despite a reputation for being malicious and a dirty player, Costa has not received a red card since December 2012. Since then, he has missed 12 games due to suspension.
For more stats from Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Arsenal, click here to visit the match centre
Will be interesting to see how Jose Mourinho reacts to this news in his next presser. Will almost certainly feel Arsene Wenger's words after the game will have forced the FA to clamp down on Costa and Mourinho will not like that at all
Joke of a decision. So Gabriel was given a red and he will face further punishment? Thanks for that FA. What additional punishment will Chelsea face for cheating to get Gabriel sent off in the first half, thus handing them the victory? And how can you punish the clubs for failing to control players on the pitch? And is Costa going to be charged seperately for his four violent acts: pushing Koscielny's face, swinging his arm into Koscielny's face, scratching Gabriel in the face, and kicking Oxlade-Chamberlain? Or are all four of those actions equivalent to Gabriel raising his leg at Costa? Will Costa face additional punishinment for conning the ref into sending another player off? Will Dean be punished for his pathetic handle on the match? JOKE of a decision.
For he's a despicable fellow, For he's a despicable fellow, For he's a despicable fellow, Not even Mourinho can deny
This POS should get an 8-game ban. That would force him to curb his behaviour or, better yet, force Chelsea to sell him and get him out of the country a la Liverpool and Suarez.