Costa not punished for gesture to Everton fans; still faces misconduct charge

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has escaped punishment for an apparent offensive gesture he made toward Everton supporters at halftime of the Blues' FA Cup quarter-final loss to the Toffees last week.

The FA released a brief statement Wednesday absolving the snarling Spaniard of any wrongdoing in relation to the specific incident.

"Having considered the evidence and Diego Costa’s observations in relation to a gesture the Chelsea forward made towards Everton supporters at halftime of Saturday’s FA Cup Sixth Round tie, The FA is satisfied no further action is required," read a brief note on Twitter.

However, Costa, who was sent off in the second half of that match for a bizarre confrontation with Gareth Barry, is still facing a misconduct charge.

Related: FA charges Diego Costa with improper conduct for behaviour vs. Everton

The forward has until Thursday evening to respond to that charge.