Chelsea striker Diego Costa is contesting the Football Association’s charge for violent conduct – a move which has the full support of the club.

The Spain international is facing an immediate three-match ban for his apparent stamp on the Liverpool’s Emre Can during Tuesday’s Capital One Cup semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge.

Costa has until 6pm to respond to the charge of violent conduct and Press Association Sport understands the striker will be contesting.

The FA statement from the initial charge read: “Diego Costa has been charged by The FA for violent conduct following an on-field incident which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video.

“The charge is in relation to an incident involving the Chelsea forward and Liverpool’s Emre Can which occurred in the 12th minute of the Capital One Cup semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge last night (Tuesday, January 27 2015).