
Chelsea
striker Diego Costa has been charged with violent conduct over his clash
with Liverpool's Emre Can on Tuesday night.
A statement from the Football Association confirmed Costa's alleged stamp
was missed by all four officials on duty for the second leg of the Capital
One Cup semi-final at Stamford Bridge.
Referee Michael Oliver has since watched replays and told the FA the offence
warranted a red card, and Costa now faces a three-match ban if the charge is
proven.
That would sideline Chelsea's top scorer for the huge Saturday Night
Football game against champions Manchester City, and subsequent matches
against Aston Villa and Everton.
Costa has until 6pm on Thursday either to accept or contest the charge, and
a final outcome will be reached before the weekend.
He will not be punished over a separate incident involving Martin Skrtel
which was also reviewed by the match officials.
Speaking in the Sky Sports studio at Stamford Bridge, Thierry Henry and
Jamie Redknapp both condemned Costa's stamp on Can as deliberate, and that
view was shared by Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers.
But Jose Mourinho defended his player and said Chelsea should have been
awarded a penalty for a Skrtel foul on Costa.