EPL

Antonio Conte slams referee: Chelsea ace Diego Costa should never have been booked

ANTONIO CONTE has blasted referee Jon Moss for booking Diego Costa during the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.

It is the striker’s fifth yellow card of the season, meaning he will miss the Boxing Day clash against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.

Costa scored a headed winner against Palace to make it 11 wins in a row and send Conte’s side nine points clear of Liverpool at the top of the table.

The Italian boss said: “We have reached a good balance between offence and defence. In some moments, our goalkeeper has been decisive.

“We dominated the last game but Thibaut made a fantastic save.

“After last season when he conceded lots of goals, this season is very well for him. We offend and defend as a team.

“It is a pity. Diego Costa’s yellow card, I don’t know if he deserved it. It happened and now we try a different solution.

“Diego and N’Golo Kante are important players for us. The next game is at home and we need our fans to push us.”

Costa has been in stunning form for Chelsea this season, netting 13 times and providing five assists in 17 Premier League matches.

The Spaniard will likely be replaced by summer signing Michy Batshuayi against the Cherries on Boxing Day.

Sporting Tribune

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