Photo: Pablo Zabaleta can’t believe Chelsea’s Diego Costa didn’t see red
Photo: Pablo Zabaleta criticises referee Mike Dean for not sending off Chelsea striker Diego Costa in 1-1 draw at The Etihad
Pablo Zabaleta has criticised referee Mike Dean for not showing Diego Costa a red card after pair clashed during 1-1 draw at The Etihad.
The Manchester City defender was sent off for a second bookable offence after a mistimed challenge on the 25-year-old Chelsea forward, with the tackle prompting Costa to confront the Citizens right-back.
Match official Dean only showed Costa a yellow card for the incident, as Frank Lampard cancelled out Andre Schurrle’s opener to rescue a point for the reigning Premier League champions.
Whilst Zabaleta took to Twitter to apologise for letting down City and their fans, the Citizens defender posted a photo which showed Costa placing his hands on the South American’s upper neck.
I would like to apologise to everyone for my red card today.
— Pablo Zabaleta (@pablo_zabaleta) September 21, 2014
However after seeing this image I can't believe that Diego Costa remained on the pitch. pic.twitter.com/WwjyG9CXzx
— Pablo Zabaleta (@pablo_zabaleta) September 21, 2014
Chelsea are three points clear at the top of the table, whilst the Citizens trail their rivals by five points.
Costa has scored seven goals in five Premier League games following his £25m move to Chelsea from Atletico Madrid this summer.
