LONDON: Chelsea striker Diego Costa has been charged with violent conduct in the wake of Saturday’s stormy London derby against Arsenal.

Chelsea won 2-0 and Arsenal had both Brazil defender Gabriel and Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla sent off.

But a major concern focused on the failure of referee Mike Dean to act against Costa early in the game when the Brazilian born Spain striker appeared to slap Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny in the face with both right and left arms. Costa then chest-butted the Frenchman.

Minutes later Gabriel was sent off after aiming a sneaky backheel against Costa’s shins.

The Football Association has announced that Costa has been charged with violent conduct while Gabriel- who refused initially to leave the pitch afger being shown the red card, has been charged with improper conduct.

Both clubs have been charged with failing to control their players.

Managers Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger exchanged sharp words after the game.

Wenger, referring to Diego Costa, said: “When someone touches him he goes down like he’s been killed.” Mourinho responded: “I’ve played against Arsenal 15, 16 times – only once they didn’t moan.”

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