Diego Costa feels targeted by referees

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has suggested that he feels incidents involving him are blown out of proportion and that he is a target for attention in England. Costa scored a late winner for Chelsea against West Ham on Monday, but sparked controversy with a tackle on Irons’ keeper Adrian. Costa had already been booked for […]
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sambafoot_admin
2016-08-17 15:57:00

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has suggested that he feels incidents involving him are blown out of proportion and that he is a target for attention in England. Costa scored a late winner for Chelsea against West Ham on Monday, but sparked controversy with a tackle on Irons’ keeper Adrian.

Costa had already been booked for dissent, under new rules that permit only the team captain to speak to an official to protest a decision. Having already been booked, he challenged West Ham keeper Adrian in the penalty area, leaving the West Ham goalie writhing in agony and sporting a large scar on his leg.

Speaking to ESPN Brasil, Costa said, "I can’t ask for anything, the crowd here always loved me. It’s a support that I always appreciate. It’s important to get the three points and to start winning. I am aware now [of the new laws around dissent].

"The second time I went to talk to him, he showed a yellow card. I found it strange, but then I realised. I went to apologise at half-time. But I’ll be honest, I am targeted here, by the referees, the people.

"If I do something it’s totally different compared to when other players do it. It needs to be said, that people target me. It’s something I have to deal with and I ask God that these things don’t disturb me and don’t take games away from me, which means sometimes I am suspended."

Costa was retrospectively issued a three match ban last September, after a clash that saw his compatriot Gabriel red carded. Costa stayed on the pitch, but the FA took action after the game, simultaneously rescinding Gabriel’s ban for the supposed offence.

Back in March, he was sent off in Chelsea’s F.A. Cup quarter-final defeat at Goodison Park and was issued an extra match on his ban owing to his reaction to the red card. Costa is likely to lead the line for Chelsea again this Saturday, as they take on Watford at Vicarage Road and you can find odds on that game.

Many will feel that Costa ought to be unavailable, after his x rated tackle on Adrian on Monday. He will face his compatriot Huerelho Gomes at Vicarage Road. Can Gomes keep his net, and his shins, safe from Chelsea’s marauding frontman?

The Brazilian, who opted to represent Spain internationally, continues to be linked with a move to former club Atletico Madrid, with Chelsea reportedly keen to take ex Blues striker Romelu Lukaku from Everton to replace him.