Who will join Frank Lampard's Blues? Get our daily Chelsea newsletter Sign me up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Diego Costa was last night charged by the FA - just hours after being branded a “cheat” by one of his own team mates.

Kurt Zouma made the amazing remark in a post-match TV interview and was later forced to apologise and clarify his comments.

Chelsea defender Zouma, in an interview with beIN Sports, said: “We’re not surprised because we know Diego. Everyone knows Diego and this guy likes to cheat a lot and put the opponent out of his game. He is a really nice guy.”

Zouma later said he has “huge respect” for Costa and excused his words by saying English is not his first language but it left Chelsea red-faced when the FA then issued charges after Saturday’s Battle of the Bridge.

Costa is now facing a three game ban after referee Mike Riley admitted he did not see the key incident which was when the Chelsea striker pushed Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny in the face.

(Image: BT Sport) (Image: BT Sport) (Image: Getty)

The matter was then referred to a three man panel of ex-referees - made up of Alan Wiley, Eddie Wolstenholme and Steve Dunn - who said they all believed it was a red card offence.

Costa was charged along with Arsenal defender Gabriel while Arsenal and Chelsea were both charged with failing to control their players. All the cases will now be heard by an independent commission.

Gabriel was charged with “improper conduct” for failing to leave the pitch while Santi Cazorla was also warned about his behaviour as he took time to leave the pitch and go down the tunnel.

READ MORE:

Row Zed:

Arsenal have launched an appeal of wrongful dismissal against Gabriel who was red carded for kicking out at Costa.

If that fails, they will also ask for the FA to reduce the three game ban under the same “excessive punishment” ruling which saw Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic get a ban reduced to two games last season.

However, Arsenal fear that even if the ban is reduced then it could be topped back up to three games by the FA as he could get an extra game suspension or fine for his charge.

(Image: PA)

Chelsea are furious that Costa has been charged and that Gabriel sprinted back to get involved even though the original bust-up was with Koscielny.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

They also fear that the level of coverage on Costa and his reputation will make it difficult for the commission - to be made up from the likes of a former manager and player - to be impartial.

Chelsea would not confirm whether they will contest the charge but they are almost certain to do so and all parties have until 6pm on Tuesday to decide. The FA fast track system will make a decision today (TUES) because both clubs are playing on Wednesday night.