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Kurt Zouma has admitted Diego Costa deliberately cheats as Chelsea striker was charged for violent conduct by the Football Association following his clash with Laurent Koscielny.

Costa was involved in a series of off-the-ball incidents with Arsenal defenders including Gabriel, but escaped unpunished - aside from receiving a yellow card - by referee Mike Dean.

The striker now faces a three-game ban for Jose Mourinho's side and the same fate was handed to Gabriel after the FA confirmed a charge of improper conduct. Gunners team-mate Santi Cazorla, however, was just given a warning about his behaviour.

Arsenal confirmed on their website that they will be appealing the Brazilian's ban after being given until Thursday to reply to the charge.

They said: 'In addition to the below, the club can confirm that it is appealing wrongful dismissal and the three-match ban given to Gabriel.'

Arsene Wenger has demanded the FA to sanction Chelsea striker Diego Costa with a three-match ban

Costa appeared to strike Koscielny in the face as they grappled in the box during Chelsea's 2-0 win

Costa could face an FA charge over his behaviour in Chelsea's win over Arsenal on Saturday lunchtime

Following the fallout from the heated clash on Saturday lunchtime, Zouma told BeIn Sport: 'No, we're not surprised because we know Diego. Everyone knows Diego and this guy likes to cheat a lot and put the opponent out of his game.

'That happened in the game but he's a really nice guy. We're proud to have him, like the other players, and we're happy to win this.'

Writing later on Twitter, Zouma announced that he was misunderstood with English not being the France international's first language.

'Sorry for any confusion, English is not my first language & I did not mean to accuse anyone of cheating. Simply to say ....,' he tweeted on Monday afternoon.

'....Diego is a player who puts pressure on his opponents & who I have huge respect for.'  

A Chelsea spokesman said it was 'harsh' to take Zouma's words literally.

'It's a bit harsh to take literally the words of a young player speaking in his second language immediately after a game," said the Chelsea spokesman. "Kurt is deeply upset that his words have been used to attack a team-mate and a friend.' 

FA chiefs are studying controversial referee Dean’s match report on the incident towards the end of the first half at Stamford Bridge before deciding whether to punish the Chelsea forward.

Costa was booked, but it has not been made clear whether it was for the incident with Laurent Koscielny or his exchange with Gabriel that led to the Arsenal defender’s red card.

If Dean missed him clawing at Koscielny’s cheek or swinging his arm into his face, he could yet face a three match ban for the incident. 

Costa appeared to lash out at Arsenal duo Laurent Koscielny and Gabriel which led to the latter being sent off

Clearly irked, Gabriel flicked his boot at Costa in full view of referee Dean during Saturday's lunchtime kick off

Wenger was equally scathing of referee Dean's performance - describing it as naive 

Gabriel was followed down the runnel by midfield team-mate Santi Cazorla in the second half as he was given his marching orders following two yellow cards.

Chelsea went on to win the grudge match at Stamford Bridge 2-0 after goals from Zouma and Eden Hazard.

Costa and Arsenal defender Gabriel have history, and it’s entirely plausible that Saturday’s antics were directly linked to a head-to-head back in 2013.

During a game between Atletico Madrid and Villarreal, Costa appeared to push an elbow towards the Brazilian’s stomach at a corner.

And as unnecessary as it was, Gabriel’s reaction was worse with the big defender collapsing to the ground in a complete heap in his own box. 

Costa has history with Gabriel as he appeared to elbow him in the stomach during a match back in 2013

Gabriel reacted a little too much as he tried to get Costa sent off for his effort during their battle

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was furious with Costa, and backs the FA to charge the Chelsea striker. 

Wenger said: 'That is the least they can do. But he will do the same again next week and the week after and he always gets away with it.

'He can do what he wants and he stays on. Everyone else that responds to him has to be sent off. It's unacceptable. If you look at the pictures and what he does to Koscielny before: he pushes him down and hits him in the face.

'He always gets away with it. Honestly, it is surprising. I don't understand Mike Dean's decision at all. Not on the sending off but why does Diego Costa stay on the pitch and Gabriel is sent off? I accept Gabriel shouldn't react at all. But for me, he is always provoking and also uses the naivety of Mike Dean in this game.'

Responding to Wenger's complaints, Mourinho said: 'I played against Arsenal, 12, 15, or 18 times now and only once he didn't moan. And that day we lost the game, we lost the Cup. It was not good for us. But we behaved in a fantastic way: no excuses; not crying; not moaning. I have to cope with my defeats. He has to cope with his defeat.'