Diego Costa suspended for 3 games; FA rescind Gabriel Paulista's red card

The FA decide on Gabriel Paulista and Diego Costa’s punishment

The English Football Association has dismissed Gabriel Paulista’s red card, after Arsenal’s claim for wrongful dismissal was upheld, The Guardian reported. The Brazilian defender who was put off by Diego Costa’s behaviour, was expected to receive a three-match ban after he flicked his boot at Costa right in front of referee Mike Dean. The player though was fortunate to have his ban withdrawn after his case was brought in front of an independent regulatory commission hearing.

Upon light of this news Gabriel can be expected to start against Tottenham Hotspurs in the Capital One Cup fixture on Wednesday night, but the 24-year old might still get punished for improper conduct. If he is found guilty the FA could impose a suspension, but it is likely that they will look to settle it with him paying a fine. He has till 6 pm on Thursday [24 September 2015] to reply to the charge.

Chelsea, on the other hand, have no such luck and will see their star striker receive a three-match ban as the FA said in their statement. This means that he will miss the Capital One Cup match against Walsall on Wednesday, and the league matches against Newcastle and Southampton. We can expect to see the Spanish international back in action on October 17 at the earliest.

Costa who was charged with violent conduct was proven guilty after video evidence showed that he struck Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny in the 43rd minute of the game.

Diego Costa has been suspended for three matches after violent conduct charge found proven http://t.co/DEYRqwIC9D pic.twitter.com/TgDDP3A32f

— The FA (@FA) September 22, 2015

3 games for that. At worse it was two yellows = 1 game. Violent? No way..

— Gary Neville (@GNev2) September 22, 2015

I don't quite get the astonishment on here that Gabriel *STILL* gets off despite video evidence proving no contact. Of course he should.

— John Cross (@johncrossmirror) September 22, 2015

How did Arsenal prove Gabriel’s innocence?

While it is rare for the FA to overturn a three-match ban, the Arsenal man is fortunate that his team found enough evidence to prove that he made no contact with Costa. In the video compilation they also submitted footage that showcased Costa’s antics during the match.

In the video, they included the 26-year-olds clash with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and his bust-up with Gabriel which was also missed by referee Dean.

Chelsea are reportedly set to release a statement on Diego Costa’s suspension which the Spaniard is set to serve following the FA’s decision to impose a 3-game ban on Diego Costa. Both clubs also will face charges of failing to control their players on Thursday before the next week of Premier League action is upon us.