Chelsea striker Diego Costa claims he is 'targeted' by Premier League referees and fans

Controversial figure: Diego Costa
Michael Regan/Getty Images
Sam Long17 August 2016

Chelsea striker Diego Costa believes he is targeted by Premier League crowds and officials in the wake of claims he should have been sent off during the Blues' 2-1 win over West Ham.

Costa scored a late winner as Antonio Conte's side secured victory over the Hammers at Stamford Bridge on Monday night.

But the 27-year-old was involved in a controversial incident earlier in the game when he chased down the ball and clattered into West Ham goalkeeper Adrian.

The Hammers were furious Costa, who had already been booked for dissent prior to the challenge, escaped further punishment but the Spain international is adamant he is treated differently to other players.

“I am aware of [the new dissent law] now. The second time I went to talk to him [the referee], he showed me [the yellow card]," Costa told ESPN Brazil.

"I even found it a bit weird, but then I understood. I went to apologise at half-time and that’s it.

“But I’ll be honest, I am targeted here, by the referees, the people… if I do something, it’s totally different than if any other players do. It needs to be seen, that people targeted me.

“It’s something I have to deal with and I ask God that these things don’t disturb me and don’t take the sequence of the games from me, which happens sometimes and gives me suspensions,” he added.

Costa has only been sent off once for Chelsea but has often courted controversy during his time in English football, having served a ban for violent conduct last season due to a clash with Arsenal's Gabriel Paulista.

Antonio Conte: First Chelsea Premier League game

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However, Costa is grateful he still retains the support of the Stamford Bridge faithful and is delighted to have helped kick Chelsea's season off with a win.

“I can’t ask for anything, the crowd here always loved me.

"It’s a support which I always appreciate. It’s important to get the three points, it’s important to start winning," said the Spain international.

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