Costa denies biting Barry

The Spain international was sent off for a second yellow card in the closing stages of Saturday's 2-0 quarter-final loss at Goodison Park after reacting angrily to a challenge from Barry.

Gareth Barry and Diego Costa confront one another

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has denied that he bit Gareth Barry during the FA Cup defeat to Everton.

The Spain international was sent off for a second yellow card in the closing stages of Saturday's 2-0 quarter-final loss at Goodison Park after reacting angrily to a challenge from Barry.

Costa was seen pushing his face into the midfielder's neck, prompting suggestions he tried to bite the former Manchester City man.

Chelsea has now stated that Costa apologised for getting sent off, but insist the striker made it clear the biting claims are baseless.