The Spain striker was charged with violent conduct after an alleged stamp on Emre Can earlier this week and has now been hit with a suspension by the Football Association.
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 League Cup semi-final 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 has now chosen to uphold 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.
