Chelsea star Diego Costa hit by three-game ban for stamp

Costa contested the charge of violent conduct with Chelsea's approval but the FA has ruled against the Spain international.

Costa will now miss Saturday's game against Manchester City and the subsequent games against Aston Villa and Everton in the Premier League.

An FA statement read: "Diego Costa will serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect after a charge of violent conduct against him was found proven by an Independent Regulatory Commission on Friday 30 January 2015.

"The Chelsea forward had denied the charge in relation to an on-field incident involving Liverpool’s Emre Can which occurred in the 12th minute of the League Cup semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday 27 January 2015.

"The incident was not seen by the match officials but caught on video."

Chelsea cancelled their weekly press conference amid suggestions that they were angry with Costa's FA charge.