Chelsea: Diego Costa charged with violent conduct after Emre Can 'stamp' in Liverpool game

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has been charged by the FA with violent conduct for an alleged stamp on Liverpool midfielder Emre Can that occurred during the second leg of the League Cup semi-final, which was played at Stamford Bridge on 27 January.

The forward faces a minimum three-game ban meaning if he is found guilty, he will miss the visit of title rivals Manchester City on Saturday 31 January.

The Spain international appeared to stamp on Can's ankle in the first half of the game and he also went unpunished following a similar incident with Martin Skrtel later in the match.

The FA has now confirmed via an official statement that it has decided to charge the striker for the incident with Can but will no take further action over the Skrtel issue.

"Diego Costa has been charged by the FA for violent conduct following an on-field incident which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video.

"The charge is in relation to an incident involving the Chelsea forward and Liverpool's Emre Can which occurred in the 12th minute of the League Cup semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge last night.

"The player has until 6pm on Thursday 29 January 2015 to respond to the charge.

"Following a review of an incident during the game involving Costa and Liverpool's Martin Skrtel, the FA will not be taking any further action."

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho defended his player and took aim at an unnamed Sky pundit over leading a "campaign" against Costa, stating: "There is a campaign on the television with a certain pundit that is saying Diego Costa 'crimes'. This guy must be nuts.

"I saw the incidents. About the penalty, I don't speak. I prefer not to speak. If I comment I will be in trouble and I don't want to be.

"What you call stamps and Sky calls crimes, I have to say absolutely accidental. He goes to the ball, he chases the ball, as the opponent is on the floor, they have a contact, he puts his foot there when he's looking to the ball.

"Great campaign. We know how much that pundit loves Chelsea and particularly loves me. When you are there and you are paid and you are very well paid - much more than some managers that have to put their ass, every 90 minutes, every weekend on the bench.

"These guys, they have a very good seat, very good money, no pressure. They are always right. They never lose, they always win, but they have to be fair and they have to be honest."