Chelsea striker Diego Costa has been given a three-game ban by the Football Association (FA) after they found him guilty of violent conduct during Saturday's English Premier League game against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.
The Spain International struck Gunners defender Laurent Koscielny in the face on two occasions in the 43rd minute of the volatile London Derby, but referee Mike Dean let him go scot-free, without any warning or a booking.
However, the FA ruling last night – which came after the player was given time until 6pm BST yesterday to respond to his actions – confirmed that there was substantial evidence that Costa has "been found proven [of the violent conduct] following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing.".
The Premier League champions strongly condemned the announcement by the governing body of English football, and mentioned in a club statement that they are willing to wait for the written report from the FA, before commenting further on the matter.
'We are extremely disappointed with the FA Regulatory Commission's decision to suspend Diego Costa. We will await their written reasons before commenting further," the Chelsea statement read.
Costa will now miss Chelsea's League Cup match at Walsall on Wednesday, along with two Premier League games -- against Newcastle and Southampton.
Meanwhile, Arsenal defender Gabriel will not be facing a three-match ban after his club successfully appealed against the red card.
Gabriel got in to an altercation with Costa that saw him get sent off just before the halftime.
The Brazilian is however subject to a separate FA charge of improper conduct to which he has until 6pm BST on Thursday to respond.
Gabriel did not leave the field immediately after he received the red card, and the FA have charged him with the improper conduct for this action.
