Chelsea's Diego Costa slapped with three-match ban over Arsenal fracas

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has been banned for three matches by the Football Association for 'violent conduct' against Arsenal centre-back Laurent Koscielny during their Premier League clash

Johannesburg: Chelsea striker Diego Costa has been banned for three matches by the Football Association for 'violent conduct' against Arsenal centre-back Laurent Koscielny during their Premier League clash.

The Spanish international was caught striking Koscielny with his hand twice before involving in an altercation with Arsenal's defender Gabriel on Saturday.

Arsenal's defender Gabriel (L) and Chelsea's striker Diego Costa (2nd R) are separated by Arsenal's goalkeeper Petr Cech (C) and Chelsea's midfielder Fabregas (R). Pic/ AFP

Subsequently, both Arsenal players were given marching orders that left Arsene Wenger's side being reduced to nine men in their 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge.

However, the FA said in a statement that a charge against Costa for violent conduct, which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video, has been found proven following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing, Sport24 reported.

The statement added that the Chelsea forward will, therefore, serve the standard penalty of a three-match suspension with immediate effect.

In a major respite, Arsenal won an appeal against Gabriel's dismissal that will allow the 24-year-old to play in Arsenal's next game against Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup.

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