Diego Costa: Jose Mourinho says stamps 'absolutely accidental'

29.01.2015 17:30

Diego Costa's alleged stamps during Chelsea's Capital One Cup semi-final win over Liverpool were "absolutely accidental", says boss Jose Mourinho.

Costa trod on Emre Can and Martin Skrtel in a second-leg tie that saw the Londoners progress after extra time.

Mourinho insisted the Blues striker was blameless, claiming he was only "looking to the ball".

But Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers said: "He has this edge to him. With Emre Can, that was poor, I felt."

The first-half incident involving Can took place close to the technical area and prompted an angry response from the Liverpool player.

Rodgers felt Costa could have avoided treading on his player.

"He could easily hurdle over the young player and he directs his studs right on to his ankle, which could've been nasty," said the Reds boss.

"Again the one with Martin Skrtel, there's no need to do it. That's the sad thing. He's a top-class player and he's clever enough that the officials don't see it."

Chelsea reached the final thanks to Branislav Ivanovic's goal, although they would have progressed on away goals anyway having drawn 1-1 at Anfield in the first leg.

Costa could face retrospective punishment from the Football Association if referee Michael Oliver reports that he did not see either incident.

If he is banned, the Brazil-born Spain international would miss Saturday's Premier League clash with second-placed Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.

Costa was involved in three of the game's main talking points - he also had a penalty appeal turned down when tripped by Skrtel.

Mourinho, who admitted to missing the goal because of a discussion with fourth official Phil Dowd, appeared to be involved in a row on the touchline with Liverpool counterpart Rodgers during a fiery second half.

The Portuguese described himself and Rodgers as "very different people".

He added: "He worked in Chelsea in my time for a few years. I don't know if he learned something with me or not. Maybe he did, maybe he didn't.

(BBC)

ANN.Az

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