Diego Costa to escape ban for alleged bite on Gareth Barry?

Chelsea striker Diego Costa is to avoid any action from the Football Association for an alleged bite on Everton's Gareth Barry, according to a report.

The controversial forward was shown a second yellow card in the Blues' 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final defeat at Goodison Park on Saturday following an altercation with the Englishman.

Guus Hiddink and, more importantly, Barry himself were quick to play down the incident, stating that suggestions Costa sunk his teeth into the player's neck were wide of the mark.

It has now been claimed by The Telegraph that the 27-year-old will therefore avoid FA action, but he is still said to be under investigation for a series of other indiscretions during the heated cup tie.

The FA is thought to be reviewing several incidents in the aftermath of Costa's dismissal, including his conduct towards referee Michael Oliver when initially refusing to leave the field of play.

Chelsea's defeat in the last eight of the competition leaves them focusing solely on the Premier League for the remainder of the season.