Costa set to contest FA charge

Chelsea striker Diego Costa is contesting the FA’s charge for violent conduct with the full support of the club.The Spain international is facing an immediate three-match ban for his apparent stamp on Liverpool’s Emre Can during Tuesday’s Capital One Cup semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge.

The incident — one of several during an action-packed 120 minutes — happened in close proximity to the dugouts, but was missed by the match officials. It was subsequently reviewed on video by referee Michael Oliver, with the charge following as part of the FA’s fast-tracked procedures.

The fate of Costa’s appeal will be known today. Either way, there will be a resolution before tomorrow’s mouth-watering contest with title rivals Manchester City – a match Chelsea announced they will not be holding a press conference ahead of.