Diego Costa bite: Gareth Barry confirms Chelsea striker did not bite him as FA awaits referee's report

The Spain international was captured by television cameras appearing to lean into Barry’s neck

(2016 Getty Images)

Gareth Barry has confirmed Diego Costa did not bite him during the latter stages of Everton's FA Cup quarter-final victory against Chelsea at Goodison Park.

The Spain international was captured by television cameras on Saturday evening appearing to lean into Barry’s neck, opening his mouth, before recoiling and embracing the 35-year-old instead.

“Seen a lot of talk about the incident involving me and Diego Costa in the game last night. For the record Diego did not bite me,” Barry revealed through his Fanzai app.

The Football Association is awaiting referee Michael Oliver's report before deciding if more action is required.

Costa, infuriated by an 84th minute challenge by the Toffees midfielder, was later dismissed for a second bookable offence moments before Barry suffered the same fate for an unrelated indiscretion.

A spokesman for the West London club said last night: “Diego spoke to club officials after the game and expressed regret over his reaction to the challenge from Gareth Barry that led to his red card, but Diego was also very clear that he did not bite him at any point during that altercation.”

Guss Hiddink, the Chelsea manager, refused to be drawn on the topic after the match. “I try to be fair in my judgement, I haven't seen it and it is difficult for me to say yes or no,” said Hiddink. “Without seeing, I don't want to give judgement on this. [He] was chased a bit in the game. They went after him. They knew it. It is within the rules.

“As a referee, you must protect the situation but knowing and feeling the atmosphere - then comes the moment that I would like to give judgement [on] but I haven't seen it.”

Romelu Lukaku scored both goals, an emphatic solo opener and neat second, to send Everton into the semi-finals of the FA Cup.