Chelsea striker Diego Costa has claimed to be the ‘target’ of Premier League referees and opposition players, following the new rules in the English top-flight, Daily Mail reports.
The Spain international thinks he’s mistreated compared to other players, as his reputation has made him an ‘easy target’ for referees.
Despite ending the night with his superb strike to grant Chelsea a win over West Ham in their opening match of the Premier League, the match referee Anthony Taylor booked him for dissent after just 19 minutes of play.
The Brazil-born striker talked to ESPN Brazil, thanking the fans for their support and telling how determined he is to help the team turn its curse from abysmal last season.
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.
The 27-year-old is aware of the new rule in the league that gives the referee a permission to book a player who’s complaining or speaking very aggressively towards an official, but thinks he’s still treated much more strictly.
I am aware of [the new dissent law] now. The second time I went to talk to him, he showed me [the yellow card]. I even found it a bit weird, but then I understood. I went to apologize 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 also came close to being sent-off after a sliding challenge on Hammers goalkeeper Adrian, as he put pressure on him, clashing his foot to the Spanish keeper’s legs.
However, Taylor didn’t go to his pocket following this challenge, as he and Chelsea’s new boss Antonio Conte both seemed to agree that Costa deserved no booking following the foul.
Last season Costa was booked 11 times and being sent off once, which is a good foundation for his statements, as in the end, he also just wants to enjoy his football.
