Chelsea striker Diego Costa will not face any action over the gesture he made to Everton supporters during Saturday’s FA Cup defeat at Goodison Park.
The Football Association had given Spain striker Costa until 6 p.m. on Wednesday to explain the gesture at half-time in the match, which Chelsea lost 2-0.
A charge, and a one-match ban, could have followed, but the FA tweeted a statement that read: “Having considered the evidence and Diego Costa’s observations in relation to a gesture made towards Everton supporters, the FA is satisfied no further action is required.”
Costa has until 6 p.m. on Thursday to respond to a misconduct charge for his reaction to his 84th-minute dismissal by referee Michael Oliver in the same game.
The striker was shown a second yellow in the 84th minute after reacting angrily to a tackle from Everton’s Gareth Barry late in the second half.
Replays appeared to show him opening his mouth toward Barry’s neck while the pair tangled, but Barry said he was not bitten.
“It is alleged his behaviour, after being shown a second yellow card in the game, amounted to improper conduct,” an FA statement said.
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