Chelsea's snarling striker Diego Costa has been sent off during his side's 2-0 FA Cup defeat at Everton after bizarrely nuzzling the neck of opposing midfielder Gareth Barry.
The Brazil-born Spain international was booked in the first half for a foul on Barry and in the 84th minute the pair clashed again after Costa took exception to a challenge by the former England international on Sunday morning.
Costa leapt up from the pitch and thrust his head into Barry's before moving his mouth towards his neck and motioning as if to bite the Everton midfielder, only to apparently think better of it.
Referee Michael Oliver reached for a yellow card, followed by a red, as Costa was sent off for the first time in his Chelsea career.
"I didn't see the Diego Costa incident," said Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink. "If I had seen it I would give proper comment, so it is difficult to give a comment on that.
"It was a tough game between all the players involved. They were going after him (Costa) a little bit. The referee doesn't have to protect (him), but must know when they are going after them."
Barry was booked for the foul on Costa and saw red himself moments later after being shown a second yellow card for clumsily tripping Cesc Fabregas, which meant that both teams finished the game with 10 men.
"I can't comment if Diego Costa did anything," said Everton manager Roberto Martinez.
"It is a game full of emotions and there were two sending-offs. The referee played a very good game."
Everton prevailed courtesy of a brilliant late brace from former Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, taking the Toffees into the semi-finals.
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