Football
ESPN staff 9y

Diego Costa needs watching by referees after stamp, says Halsey

Premier League referees must be more aware of Chelsea striker Diego Costa's aggressive nature before a player gets "a serious injury," according to former top-flight official Mark Halsey.

Costa is facing a three-match ban following a Football Association charge of violent conduct, after he appeared to stamp on Liverpool's Emre Can in Tuesday's Capital One Cup semifinal second-leg tie at Stamford Bridge. Referee Michael Oliver took no action at the time, but the FA chose to act after viewing video evidence.

The Chelsea striker was also involved in an altercation with Martin Skrtel, during which he again appeared to leave his foot in but the FA will take no restropective action on that incident.

Costa has been involved in several flare-ups throughout the season, and Halsey is concerned that if referees do not do more to control that side of his game an opposition player could get hurt.

"There's a side of Costa that we don't want in our game," Halsey told The Sun. "Aggression is what makes him the great player he is. But he has that bit of devil in him.

"Referees have to go into games aware of what Costa is. You know when Costa goes into a challenge, something could happen.

"He's volatile. It's important referees pick up these incidents. A player could get injured. It could be a serious injury.

"Unfortunately Michael Oliver was not switched on, he was still in midfield. But it was difficult for him.

"Now the FA must take action so he misses Chelsea's next three games, including the six-pointer against Man City on Saturday."

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