Jose Mourinho: 'I can't believe Diego Costa cards'

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has defended striker Diego Costa after the Spanish international recorded a league-high seven bookings following the club's recent 2-0 victory over Hull City.

Costa was booked for a dive in the win at Stamford Bridge, moving him level with fellow leading Premier League offenders Calum Chambers and Lee Cattermole.

"I can't believe it... I can't believe it. I remember two that are understandable and fair," said the Blues coach, according to BT Sport.

"One was against Newcastle because he complained with the referee with arms in the air in body language that was not accepted normally by the referees and [Martin] Atkinson gave him the yellow card. And the other one in Liverpool, when there was a really aggressive duel with [Martin] Skrtel - you know, fighting in a yellow card way.

"All the others, the first one at Burnley is a penalty and a red card for the keeper and he gets a yellow card. Other times, it is not a simulation and they give him a yellow card. Other times he touches one guy and it is a yellow card."

Costa's Chelsea currently hold first position in the Premier League table on 39 points.