Diego Costa Causes Mayhem In Liverpool-Chelsea, Is Charged By FA (GIFs)

When it comes to soccer, Diego Costa’s biggest quality is his goal-scoring ability. Fighting is a close second, and it landed Costa in trouble.

England’s Football Association charged Costa with violent conduct Wednesday in the aftermath of a fiery Capital One Cup semifinal game between Chelesa and Liverpool the previous day, according to The Associated Press. Costa stamped on Liverpool defenders Emre Can and Martin Skrtel, and his behavior sparked physical confrontations between the teams at various points in the game.

The FA reviewed video footage of Chelsea’s 2-1 win and decided to charge Costa for stepping on Can early in the first half.

Diego Costa Emre Can

Costa has until Thursday night to respond to the charge. The striker could receive a three-game ban, which would rule him out of Saturday’s top-of-the standings clash between Chelsea and Manchester City, as well as the Blues’ subsequent games against Everton (on Feb. 7) and Aston Villa (on Feb. 11).

Costa escaped punishment for his second-half stamp on Skrtel.

Diego Costa Martin Skrtel

Costa later had to be separated from Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard during the first period of extra time. The two players became entangled, and they squared up to one another before teammates stepped in.

Diego Costa Steven Gerrard

Skrtel gained a measure of revenge on Costa in the closing stages of the game, giving the Brazilian a heavy shoulder charge. The referee punished Skrtel with a yellow card for knocking over Costa.

Martin Skrtel Diego Costa Yellow Card

Costa is in his first season with Chelsea, but he’s now a contender for the title of Liverpool’s “Public Enemy No. 1.”

Costa scored 17 goals in his first 19 Premier League games, but he’s goal-less in eight domestic cup and UEFA Champions League games. He might not be firing Chelsea through the rounds in knockout competitions, but he’s clearly willing to employ soccer’s dark arts to further his team’s cause on any front.