BY MOSES ADEYEMI

The Spain striker was charged with violent conduct after an alleged stamp on Emre Can earlier this week and has now been hit with a suspension by the Football Association.

Diego Costa was challenging for the ball by the touchline in the first half of the second- leg League Cup semi-final tie at Stamford Bridge when he forcefully stood on Can’s shin.

The incident went unpunished during the match, which Chelsea won 1-0 to progress 2-1 on aggregate, as referee Michael Oliver did not see the challenge.

The FA subsequently charged Costa with violent conduct, a decision the player contested.

Although, an FA Independent Regulatory Commission has now chosen to uphold the original ruling and handed out a three-match ban.

“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,” an FA statement read.

The news is a huge blow to Chelsea ahead of Saturday’s top of the table clash with Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.

Costa is also set to miss out on the trip to Aston Villa on February 7 and the home match with Everton four days later.