Chelsea’s Costa charged with violent conduct

Chelsea’s Diego Costa has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association following Saturday’s controversial derby against Arsenal.

Costa puts his hands in the face of Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny before rowing with Gabriel.

The Blues striker and Gabriel were booked by referee Mike Dean and the Gunners defender was dismissed for a second yellow card when he then kicked out at Costa.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho defended Costa after his side’s 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge, but an FA-appointed panel felt there was a case for retrospective action.

The FA has also charged Gabriel with improper conduct and both clubs with failing to control their players.

All parties have until 6pm on Thursday to respond to the charges.

Meanwhile, Kurt Zouma has expressed his regret for saying that his Chelsea team-mate Costa “likes to cheat a lot”.

“Sorry for any confusion. English is not my first language and I did not mean to accuse anyone of cheating,” the French defender wrote on Twitter.