THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION have handed Chelsea striker Diego Costa a retrospective three-match ban for violent conduct not seen by the officials during Saturday’s game against Arsenal.
The Brazilian striker was charged for an altercation with Gunners defender Laurent Koscienly during the first-half of Chelsea’s 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge.
Referee Mike Dean took no action at the time and although Costa denied the charge, the FA have this evening suspended him for three games.
However, Arsenal defender Gabriel – who was sent-off for kicking out at Costa shortly after – has escaped punishment after the red card he received was overturned by the FA earlier.
He will now be available to face Tottenham in tomorrow evening’s Capital One Cup tie.
Arsene Wenger was left infuriated by the decision and Arsenal confirmed on Monday they would be appealing the dismissal.
In a statement released this afternoon, the FA confirmed the appeal had been upheld.
“Arsenal’s claim of wrongful dismissal in relation to Gabriel has been upheld following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing,” it read.
“The player’s three-match suspension has, therefore, been withdrawn with immediate effect.”
The Gunners centre-back had been dismissed for violent conduct after kicking out at Costa at the end of a continued dispute between the two players.
Gabriel’s ban for violent conduct has been lifted but he remains subject of a separate charge for improper conduct, for which the defender has until 6pm on Thursday to reply.
The charge is for not leaving the pitch after being shown the red card.
