Diego Costa appeal: Chelsea must make decision over striker by 6pm today
The Spain international could miss three games if found guilty
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.Chelsea will make a decision today on whether to appeal against the Football Association's charge of violent conduct against Diego Costa.
They have been given until 6pm this evening to respond.
Costa has been cited for an incident involving Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny during the fiery north London derby at Stamford Bridge on Saturday lunchtime. The Spain striker flailed an arm in the face of his opponent and then chested Koscielny to the ground. Referee Mike Dean missed some or all of the incident between the two.
Should Chelsea accept the charge and Costa is found guilty by the FA's disciplinary panel, he could miss the next three Chelsea games. That would rule him out of tomorrow's Capital One Cup tie against Walsall, and then the Premier League matches with Newcastle and Southampton.
The FA said in a statement: "Diego Costa has been charged for an alleged act of violent conduct which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video.
"The Chelsea forward was involved in an incident with Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny in the 43rd minute of the game. He has until 6pm (on Tuesday) to reply.
"Off-the-ball incidents which are not seen at the time by the match officials are referred to a panel of three former elite referees."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments