Diego Costa, Gabriel Paulista Charged by FA Following Chelsea vs. Arsenal

Chelsea's Diego Costa has been charged with violent conduct by the FA after the explosive London derby against Arsenal on Saturday, with the Gunners' Gabriel Paulista also receiving retrospective punishment for his behaviour after being sent off.

The governing body confirmed on its official website that Costa has until Tuesday evening to answer the charges, while Gabriel has until Thursday to respond to his improper conduct charge—a less serious case than the Blues striker's.

Costa appeared to shove his hands into Laurent Koscielny's face, swinging an arm wildly in the defender's direction and then aggressively forcing the Arsenal man to the ground with his chest after the two players challenged for the ball in the air. The referee took no action over the incident as he did not clearly see it, which allows the FA to retrospectively review.

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Gabriel then became involved as the players argued, leading to his dismissal for flicking a boot out at Costa.

Arsenal have taken no time in letting their feelings be known about the incident and will contest their defender's punishment, as reported by the Independent's Sam Wallace:

The FA says Costa's incident was not seen by the officials, but it was captured on video, prompting the charge. It added in its statement, per the official website: "Both clubs have been charged for failing to control their players under FA Rule E20."

Bleacher Report's Stan Collymore said in a recent blog that the FA should deal with Costa in the strongest manner possible:

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[Costa] really does make an attempt to hurt his opponents; this isn't somebody shirt pulling or calling names. This is somebody who is pushing players as far as humanly possible to get them sent off. I think that's being a snide and he needs the book thrown at him, some serious punishment. I'd more than happily give him a 2 or 3 game ban.

"

Costa's behaviour was questionable during the match, and his interaction with the Arsenal defender certainly provoked his petty reaction before his red card.

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Gabriel was wrong to flick out a boot at Costa, but without the Spain international's conduct before the red card incident—pushing Koscielny to the ground—the touch paper wouldn't have been lit.

It is no surprise the FA has acted swiftly, with Costa often in trouble with officials as he throws his weight around the Premier League.

The Chelsea striker may now be handed a three-match ban—the usual punishment for violent conduct—but if the Premier League champions opt to contest the charge, any suspension might be increased.

Gabriel will serve an initial three-match man for his red card on Saturday, with his charge for improper conduct seeing a possible extra game ban and fine added to the punishment.