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Associated Press

Diego Costa on collision course with Jose Mourinho after behaviour on Chelsea bench

The striker was dropped for clash with Spurs and seemed to throw his warm-up bib at Jose Mourinho.

HE’S NORMALLY QUITE angry even when he’s playing so it was little surprise to see a rather pent-up Diego Costa take his seat among the other Chelsea substitutes for his side’s clash with Tottenham at White Hart Lane earlier.

The Spanish international took no part in the pre-match warm-up and there was a similar lack of involvement when the Chelsea replacements took to the pitch during half-time.

But the best was still to come.

As the game ebbed towards conclusion, Costa was summoned and told to warm-up along the touchline.

Britain Soccer Premier League Tim Ireland / AP/Press Association Images Tim Ireland / AP/Press Association Images / AP/Press Association Images

Clearly believing he was set to be introduced, the striker did little in the way of stretching or exercising but instead kept a close eye on Jose Mourinho and his assistants, waiting to be called.

But instead, it was Ruben Loftus-Cheek who came on for Pedro – Chelsea’s final change.

Knowing he wouldn’t be needed, Costa returned to the bench, took off his warm-up bib and threw it in Mourinho’s direction, though the manager didn’t appear to notice.

Goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon did, however, and gave Costa a pretty dirty glance.

Meanwhile, Jon Obi Mikel thought the whole thing was hilarious, laughing hysterically as Costa took the seat next to him.

At the post-game press conference, Mourinho was peppered with questions about Costa and he didn’t hold back in what he had to say.

Diego is privileged because he was the last player (to go) on the bench. He is privileged I kept him in the team so long.  I was not expecting a player to be on the bench jumping and singing . . a top player on the bench is not happy.

If he wants to hurt me, it’s not with a bib,” said the Chelsea boss.

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