Diego Costa Denies Biting Gareth Barry

Diego Costa (in white) clashes with Everton midfielder Gareth Barry. | image source: telegraph.co.uk |

Chelsea Striker Diego Costa has denied biting Gareth Barry during The Blues' 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final defeat at Everton.

The Spaniard was sent off following the clash with the Everton midfielder in the 84th minute at Goodison Park.

A Chelsea spokesman said: "Diego spoke to club officials and expressed regret over his reaction to the challenge from Barry that led to his red card.

"But Diego was also very clear that he did not bite him at any point during that altercation."

Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink claims Everton deliberately provoked Costa, who had a running battle with Barry throughout the tie.

In the incident that led to Costa's second yellow card, the 27-year-old confronted Barry, moving his head towards him and in the direction of his neck.

- BBC