It will not surprise anybody that Diego Costa was at the centre of controversy during the first half of the London derby between Chelsea and 10-man Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.
The combative Blues striker and Gabriel Paulista were involved in a tussle as the interval approached, and the Gunners defender ended up being sent off by referee Mike Dean.
SEE MORE:
Check out more football snippets with fanatix’s sports video news app.
With the scores still goalless, Gabriel, who had been booked for an altercation with the same player only seconds earlier, foolishly flicked his studs towards Costa right in front of the official.
The Brazilian centre-back can have few complaints, but Arsenal’s sense of injustice will be that Costa was not dealt the same punishment for any one of a series of misdemeanours in the opening 45 minutes.
The Spain international forward forcefully bumped Laurent Koscielny to the floor with his chest, and also gave the French defender a couple of dirty digs to the face in this blatant assault.
How Costa remains on the pitch while Gabriel takes an early bath beggars belief. The tame nature of the Arsenal villain’s offence is not even worth comparison to Costa’s brutal battery on Koscielny.
Arsene Wenger waited on the touchline to question referee Dean on the half-time whistle, but was ushered away. He will be even more furious at the final whistle if Costa scores in the second half.
SEE ALSO:
Riyad Mahrez transfer: Agent of Leicester City ace speaks over Arsenal interest
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho delivers hilarious response to negative press (video)
Why Chelsea legend John Terry’s time is up at Stamford Bridge
COMMENTS