It looks like Diego Costa is set to escape any retrospective action from the FA for the allegedly clash with Martin Skrtel in Chelsea’s defeat to Liverpool at home on Saturday.
The striker as it happened kicked his boot into Skrtel’s midriff when both of them tangled on the pitch after the break on that day. Referee, Mark Clattenburg, was very close to the incident spot and he had a direct view at the Costa and Skrtel. Now his decision is no offence had taken place then. It was a normal incident.
As he effectively dealt with that incident at the time ruling out any possibility of using video evidence to take retrospective action against Diego Costa. FA’s disciplinary committee is satisfied; they find no malice in the challenge. Skrtel also didn’t make any complain. Costa has a history with the German as they were involved in a clash in the Capital One Cup semi-final at the same venue last season.
The Brazilian-born Spanish striker has already been banned twice retrospectively by the FA disciplinary section using video evidence. Earlier this season he was banned for three domestic games after a controversial incident with Laurent Koscielny of Arsenal, he was handed a similar sanction for stamping on Emre Can of Liverpool during that semi-final in January.
However, on Monday José Mourinho will discover whether his plea contesting the 50,000 pound fine and one match stadium ban, imposed on him will be successful or not. The Portuguese suggested referees were “afraid” of making strong decisions in Chelsea’s favour after the loss to Southampton on 3 October.