Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Diego Costa was sent off at Everton for a second yellow card after clashing with Gareth Barry as Chelsea crashed out of the FA Cup on Saturday evening
Costa and Barry, who had clashed frequently throughout the game, went head-to-head after Costa was brought down by the Everton midfielder. The hot-headed Spanish striker had earlier been booked after his flailing arm caught Barry in the face - Costa was furious with the former England man whom he thought overreacted. The striker appeared to spit at the feet of referee Michael Oliver after the incident.
In the later incident, with Chelsea already losing 2-0 and on the way out of the competition, Costa again reacted when clipped by Barry.
Costa immediately leapt to his feet and barged into Barry, the pair clashing heads. At one point Costa appeared to bite Barry's neck, although video footage of the incident was far from conclusive and Barry did not react as if he had been bitten - there was also no visible mark on Barry's neck and the pair actually cuddled immediately after.
See the incident here:
So did Costa bite Barry pic.twitter.com/v3ieq5X89k
— LFC Fans Corner (@LFCFansCorner) March 12, 2016
The incident, which was not seen by referee Michael Oliver, certainly shows the Chelsea striker open his mouth and move towards Barry's neck.
It is a piece of footage that the Football Association seem sure to look at and something that they are certain not to take lightly.
When former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez appeared to bite Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic in April 2013, the Uruguayan was handed a whopping 10-match ban, while his infamous bite on Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup earned him a four-month ban from all football activities.
Chelsea blew their last chance at winning a piece of silverware this season after losing 2-0 at Goodsion Park.
Former striker Romelu Lukaku scored twice, the first a brilliant solo effort and the second a smart finish, to send the Blues tumbling out of their second cup competition in only a week.
Do you think it was a bite? Let us know in the comments
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments