DIEGO COSTA WAS booked again in his latest outing for Atletico Madrid, but claims “officials hate me” and that he is being unfairly singled out.
The Spain international was cautioned during a 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao for contesting a decision.
He also saw a penalty appeal waved away in that contest – a game in which he netted his fourth goal in eight appearances since returning to Atletico.
That return gives the 29-year-old plenty to smile about, but he believes referees have made him a scapegoat and are too quick to reach for their pocket when he gives them a decision to make.
Costa, who was sent off on his La Liga return for Atletico in January, told reporters after another eventful outing on Sunday: “The officials hate me and there’s nothing I can do to change that.
“Some of them book me for the smallest issue and it did not matter what it was but [against Bilbao] the referee was going to book me no matter what.
“You can look back at the replay and analyse it, but I did not overstep the mark and did not deserve it, but there is nothing I can do about it now.
“The penalty appeal? I think it is yes, I was knocked off balance by contact from the defender when I was going to shoot so I think it was!”
Costa started against Bilbao alongside Antoine Griezmann.
The Frenchman failed to find the target and has just 12 efforts to his name this season.
Transfer talk has provided an unwelcome distraction for the 26-year-old, amid links to Manchester United and Barcelona, but his strike partner insists he retains the full support of those around him at Wanda Metropolitano.
Costa added: “I think people make a lot of stuff up.
The fans are behind Griezmann. He’s got quality and, every summer, a big team want him.
“It’s normal for him to get angry. I get angry too at times. It’s part of football. But the fans are delighted that Griezmann can be here and hopefully he’s here for many more years.”
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R.I.P.
@Mícheál Moran: awful news, heart goes out to his family
Tragic news. Thoughts are with his family. May he rest in peace.
That’s so sad
I just felt ridiculously sad reading that.. 41 year old former athlete. Cancer is so horrible, we all must know someone touched by it.
Terrible news. Why does life have to be so cruel to those so young. May he rest in peace
R. I. P.
Condolences to family & friends.
Very sad news. God love his family. No doubt he fought this like he played football… he gave it everything.
Very disrespectful to call him ‘O’Connor’ instead of his first name. Shame on you at the Journal
@Carol Cunningham: actually change my post to ‘Shame on you Fintan O’Brien’
‘
@Carol Cunningham: I don’t think any disrespect was meant. Usually sports stars are referred to by their surname.
@Carol Cunningham: calm down
@Carol Cunningham: Christ, you have a lot to be complaining about. Maybe just leave your sympathies to this man’s family and be done with it. A journalist calling him by his surname as would be done when he was a player is hardly disrespectful to the man. The piece is well written and strikes the right tone.
Clearly a good man in every field of life. Condolences to his wife and young children, it’s always heart breaking to see someone so young and strong taken from all that knew and loved him. He was a fine player RIP
May he rest in peace
Terrible parallels with the 1990 team. RIP Kieran. So sad this evening
RIP.
Rip kieran.all Ireland winner.
Jesus that’s terrible news. Saw him a good few times playing with cork & he was a tough competitor. Condolences to his family & friends at this tough time RIP
Rip Kieran. A gentleman.
Condolences to Kierans family and friends. So sad to see someone so young taken from us. Rip
RIP.
Terrible news. RIP.
A tragically young age. RIP
So sad.
Great player from a great club.
Condolences to his family.
R.I.P.
Terrible news.rip keiran..
Mo chomhbhrón
God bless good sir
Very sad News,fought hard tough battle with bravery & Grace,my condolences to the family & close friends!
RIP
Rest in peace .
God rest his soul and give his family strength at this difficult time rip.
Can I just say how much of a class act Davy Russell is.
Great ambassador for Cork Football and so sad for his family & community. Condolences.
R.I.P