Chelsea striker Diego Costa has been charged with improper conduct following his sending-off against Everton.
The Football Association today confirmed that the Spain international will face retrospective disciplinary action following the Blues’ 2-0 win over Guus Hiddink’s side in last weekend’s FA Cup quarter-final at Goodison Park.
Costa appeared to bite Everton midfielder Gareth Barry, although both players deny that, however referee Michael Oliver felt the striker’s reaction was worthy of a second yellow card.
The charge relates to Costa’s conduct following the red card, as he initially refused to leave the field.
“It is alleged his behaviour, after being shown a second yellow card in the game, amounted to improper conduct”, according to an FA statement.
Costa has been given until Thursday 6pm to respond to the charge and has also been asked to explain his actions relating to gesture he made to the Goodison crowd when leaving the pitch at half time, he has been given 48 hours to respond.