• Spain striker sent off late in 2-0 FA Cup defeat after clashing with Barry • Costa ‘very clear’ he did not bite Barry, says club spokesman

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

Chelsea’s Diego Costa says he did not bite Everton’s Gareth Barry during a confrontation in Saturday’s FA Cup defeat at Goodison Park, according to a club spokesman.

The Spain striker was sent off late in the 2-0 quarter-final defeat after clashing with Barry, who was also sent off moments later for his second booking.

Everton’s Gareth Barry says Chelsea’s Diego Costa did not bite him Read more

Television replays suggest Costa made to bite his opponent, before thinking better of it at the last second.

The interim Chelsea manager, Guus Hiddink, said in his post-match media conference he would reserve judgment on the incident until he had the chance to see it for himself.

Chelsea later issued a statement maintaining the forward had not bitten Barry, but did regret his reaction.

A club spokesman said: “Diego spoke to club officials after the game and expressed regret over his reaction to the challenge from Gareth Barry that led to his red card, but Diego was also very clear that he did not bite him at any point during that altercation.”

The Football Association said it was aware of the incident and would wait for a report from the referee, Michael Oliver, before a decision was made about any possible action.