Chelsea’s Costa banned for three matches

Chelsea striker Diego Costa faces a three-match ban after being found guilty of an FA charge of violent conduct.

Costa denied the charge, which related to an incident involving Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny during Saturday’s 2-0 win over the north London side at Stamford Bridge.

He put his hands in Koscielny’s face before clashing with Gunners defender Gabriel, who was sent off for two bookable offences after his angry reaction towards Costa but had a three-game ban overturned earlier on Tuesday.

Costa’s suspension means he will miss the League Cup match at Walsall on Wednesday and then Premier League games against Newcastle and Southampton.

He was punished retrospectively after the incident was not seen by the match officials.

In a statement, Chelsea said the club was “extremely disappointed” with the verdict.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger criticised referee Mike Dean after the game for failing to send Costa off.