English Premier League: Chelsea Striker Diego Costa Banned for Violent Conduct
Chelsea will be without its best striker for the next three games, after Diego Costa was banned for violent conduct this weekend.
BBC Sports reports that Costa will be banned relating to an incident with Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny in the 2-0 win over Arsenal. After an independent hearing, it was ruled that the suspension will be upheld.
In the game against Arsenal, Costa put his hands on Koscielny's face, before clashing with Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista. Paulista was originally banned for three games as well for fighting with Costa, but the suspension was later overturned.
Costa was not so lucky, as he will miss Chelsea's next three matches, one against Walsall and two Premier League matches against Newcastle and Southampton. He is eligible to return Saturday Oct. 17 against Aston Villa.
According to The Guardian, the Football Association issued a statement regarding the incident: "An FA charge against Diego Costa for violent conduct not seen by the match officials but caught on video has been found proven following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing."
"The Chelsea forward will, therefore, serve the standard penalty of a three-match suspension with immediate effect," the statement continued.
Chelsea also issued a statement on the matter, stating, "We are extremely disappointed with the FA Regulatory Commission's decision to suspend Diego Costa. We will await their written reasons before commenting further."
This season with Chelsea, Costa started in six games, and scored two goals and recorded one assist.
Chelsea signed him to a 37 million pound contract in July 2014. Before coming to Chelsea, Costa started his career with Atlético Madrid, where he enjoyed two great seasons with the club. He is considered to be one of the most physical strikers in soccer, thanks in part to his size.
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