Wednesday 28 January 2015 13:37, UK
Sky Sports pundit Thierry Henry thinks Diego Costa crossed the line with his stamp on Emre Can during Chelsea’s Capital One Cup semi-final victory over Liverpool.
Costa was lucky to stay on the field at Stamford Bridge as the referee did not see his foot connect with Can’s ankle in the 12th minute of the match.
And Henry, speaking on Sky Sports, believes the Spain international intentionally meant to stamp on the Liverpool defender.
“You can see clearly that he meant that,” Henry said.
“I love the passion, I love the aggression but I think he went too far there.
“I think it was a red but the ref didn’t see it, the linesman didn’t see it and the fourth official didn’t see it.”
Costa also clashed with Martin Skrtel and Steven Gerrard as Chelsea booked their place at Wembley on March 1 and although Henry admitted he likes Costa’s aggressive mentality, the former Arsenal strikes thinks he went too far during the 1-0 second-leg victory.
“The one with Stevie G I don’t actually mind,” Henry added.
“He’s letting them know he’s around and Stevie G does the same thing.
“I have to love the passion of the guy and the way he plays but on the two occasions here, especially with Can and Skrtel, he went overboard.”
Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp agreed with Henry, claiming Costa crossed the line between aggression and violent action during Chelsea’s win.
“We all love Diego Costa,” Redknapp told Sky Sports. “He’s a fantastic player. You would have him in your team any day of the week but he steps over the line sometimes.
“You know exactly what you’re doing there. You can hurdle someone’s leg but he’s definitely stamped on Skrtel.
“There’s a fine line in football between an aggressive action and a violent action. Unfortunately today Costa’s crossed that line."
