Everton midfielder Gareth Barry says Chelsea striker Diego Costa did not bite him when they clashed during Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final.
Costa was sent off following the 84th-minute incident in Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat, and later denied biting Barry.
The Toffees player, who was sent off for a foul on Cesc Fabregas, has backed Costa’s claim.
The Football Association is awaiting referee Michael Oliver’s report before deciding if more action is necessary.
Earlier, Diego Costa denied biting Barry. The Spaniard who spoke his club’s spokesperson expressed regret over his actions.
A Chelsea spokesman said: “Diego spoke to club officials and expressed regret over his reaction to the challenge from Barry that led to his red card.
“But Diego was also very clear that he did not bite him at any point during that altercation.”
Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink claims Everton deliberately provoked Costa, who had a running battle with Barry throughout the tie.
In the incident that led to Costa’s second yellow card, the 27-year-old confronted Barry, moving his head towards him and in the direction of his neck.
“He was chased a bit in the game by Everton. They went after him. They knew it. It is within the rules,” said Hiddink.
“As a referee you have to protect the situation, but knowing and feeling this atmosphere.”
Hiddink, who managed Chelsea to victory over Everton in the 2009 FA Cup final, said he had not seen the incident that led to Costa’s dismissal.
“I try to be fair in my judgement and it is difficult for me to say yes or no so I don’t want to give judgement on this,” he said.
