Mercurial Chelsea forward Diego Costa is facing a three-match ban after being charged by the Football Association (FA) for violent conduct during Saturday's English Premier League game against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.
Along with Costa, Arsenal defender Gabriel has also been charged with improper conduct. Not only that, the FA have also warned Gunners midfielder Santi Cazorla for his on-field actions during the game.
Both Cazorla and Gabriel were sent off during the game in which Arsenal lost 2-0 to Chelsea.
Costa was involved in an unsportsmanlike incident during the match, as he struck Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny twice in the face in the 43rd minute of the game. The action prompted Gabriel to step up and a heated brawl ensued that saw the Brazil defender receive his marching orders in a span of two minutes.
Costa's actions, however, were neglected by referee Mike Dean, and the Spain International went scot-free.
"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 FA statement read.
"He has until 6pm tomorrow [Tuesday 22 September 2015] to reply."
Meanwhile, both clubs were charged with failing to control their players. "Finally, both clubs have been charged for failing to control their players under FA Rule E20," the FA said.
Arsenal are believed to have launched an appeal to overturn the length of Gabriel's three-match ban -- which he autmotically receives for the red card.
"Both clubs and Gabriel have until 6pm on Thursday [24 September 2015] to reply," the FA said.
Meanwhile, the governing body of English football will assess Mike Dean's match report before deciding on whether to take any action against him.
Arsenal Wenger vehemently criticised Dean's refereeing during the game and said it was the "weakness of the referee" which resulted in Costa not getting sent off on at least two occasions during the game.
The Arsenal fans have also launched an online petition to not allow Dean to officiate any of the Gunners' games in the future.
