Football
ESPN staff 8y

Chelsea's Diego Costa reported by Stoke for alleged stamp on steward

Chelsea have described as "utter nonsense" a claim from a Stoke steward that Diego Costa stamped on his foot.

Stoke confirmed that a member of their security staff reported Costa to the match referee after an incident on the touchline during the Potters' victory over the Londoners at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.

TV footage of the alleged incident shows Chelsea striker Costa going to retrieve the ball for a throw-in in the 73rd minute and then appearing to make contact with the steward with his foot.

A Chelsea spokesperson simply called the incident "utter nonsense." Press Association reported the issue has been dealt with amicably and settled.

Referee Anthony Taylor will now make mention of the matter in his match report and the Football Association will determine if any action is necessary in due course, though that now appears highly unlikely.

It is far from the first time Costa has drawn attention for his antics on the pitch.

Costa was handed a three-match retrospective ban for violent conduct last month after incidents involving Arsenal centre-back Laurent Koscielny in Chelsea's 2-0 win.

Then last week, Costa appeared to dig his boot into Martin Skrtel's chest as both fell to the ground in the middle of the field during Liverpool's 3-1 win, though he was not punished by the FA.

The Spain international was also given a retrospective ban for violent conduct for stamping on Liverpool's Emre Can during last season's Capital One Cup semifinal.

The incident provided yet another negative headline for the beleaguered champions after their dismal season took in a new low. The Blues, without their under-pressure manager Jose Mourinho due to a stadium ban, were beaten for a seventh time in 12 Premier League games as they went down 1-0.

Information from Press Association was used in this report.

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