Only four games after returning from his first suspension of the season, could Chelsea striker be staring at another ban from the English FA?
The Spaniard is facing the heat one more time after being involved in a tussle with Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel in Saturday’s embarrassing 3-1 defeat.
Of course, this is not the first time the two have butt heads. In fact, they share history together, having first clashed in a Euro 2016 qualifier between their respective nations in October 2014.
Their run-ins in the Premier League were even more heated, with the former Atletico Madrid man ending up with a torn shirt in his first trip to Anfield.
Costa and Skrtel have clashed several times before
That exact season saw Costa stomp on the Slovakian defender in a League Cup clash between Liverpool and Chelsea, which subsequently resulted in a three-game FA ban for the 27-year-old.
Fast forward to 2015 and the Chelsea man could face another punishment from the FA after it appeared he kicked the defender in the chest after the two fell to the ground in a battle for the ball in Saturday’s Stamford Bridge tie.
Costa was left frustrated by Skrtel and the Merseyside club's back four throughout the game, as the Reds center-back left no breathing room for the Brazilian-born striker to threaten Liverpool’s goal. This could have possibly boiled over, leading Costa to implant his right foot in the defenders ribs.
Of course, the question is whether this incident went unseen by referee Mark Clattenburg, which permits the FA to step in and take action, or whether he deemed the action unworthy of a booking. All will depend on the match official’s report.
Diego Costa expected to see another ban for his kick out on Skrtel. Another mindless act of violence from him. Moronic.
— The Twelfth Man (@_The12thMan) October 31, 2015
Diego Costa is the reason Aliens won't visit earth
— ζoom (@Parmpal_) October 31, 2015
Diego Costa will get another match ban for that kick on Skrtel Just watch
— Özilexis (@MesutOzilexis) October 31, 2015
Diego Costa kicks Skrtel in the chest... Skrtel doesn't react. Lucas fouls, Chelsea players gang up on the ref trying to get him sent off.
— Arsenal News (@__arsenalnews_) October 31, 2015
Martin Skrtel vs. Diego Costa III: This time it's personal. pic.twitter.com/xpSvVINJ7X
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 31, 2015
Skrtel could easily have had Costa sent off for his much worse challenge. But doesn't. Lucas foul and Chelsea players all over the ref! Scum
— Liverpool FC (@LFCLatest24) October 31, 2015
Former referee Howard Webb claimed that Costa’s action was “a clear red card” but believes that the FA will not take any disciplinary measures against the Blues ace, saying:
"Normally the FA won't take action when the ref is looking at it. But just because he is looking in that direction it doesn't mean he is focused on that act of violence, and he can't have been because he didn't see the kick and didn't give a red card.
"I doubt that the FA will take action because Mark is looking in that direction and it is not off the ball. But it is a clear red card and Diego Costa is a lucky boy on that occasion."
Costa has already been banned this season, being suspended for three-games for violent conduct after his confrontation with Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny in their 2-0 London derby win.
