Diego Costa escapes additional FA charge

Chelsea striker Diego Costa got himself into a bit of trouble last weekend, when he was sent off against Everton and appeared to at least consider biting Gareth Barry. Earlier in the week, the FA issued the following statement when charging the player with improper conduct, and indicating that further charges could be following:

Diego Costa has been charged in relation to Chelsea’s FA Cup sixth round fixture against Everton on Saturday 12 March 2016.

It is alleged his behaviour, after being shown a second yellow card in the game, amounted to improper conduct. He has until 6pm on Thursday 17 March 2016 to respond to the charge.

Meanwhile, the Chelsea striker has until Wednesday [16 March 2016] to provide his observations to The FA in relation to an alleged gesture he made towards Everton supporters while leaving the pitch at half-time.

On Wednesday, having heard from the striker on this alleged gesture, the FA decided not to hand Costa any further charges, issuing the following statement:

Having considered the evidence and Diego Costa's observations in relation to a gesture the Chelsea forward made towards Everton supporters at half-time of Saturday's FA Cup sixth-round tie, the FA is satisfied no further action is required.

Costa will still miss this weekend's match due to being sent off against Everton, and depending on the FA's decision following his comments on that matter, could still miss some additional matches as a result. Maybe the rest will even be a good thing, as Diego has been dealing with a few minor injuries, which will give him plenty of time to heal up before the start of next season.