Diego Costa must understand Premier League 'ethics and culture', says Roberto Martinez

Toffees boss Martinez is unhappy with Costa's behaviour during 6-3 defeat

Samuel Stevens
Sunday 31 August 2014 11:58 BST
Comments
Chelsea striker Diego Costa
Chelsea striker Diego Costa (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has warned Chelsea striker Diego Costa that he must adapt to the unique Premier League standards of 'ethics and cuture' if he is to successfully integrate himself into English football.

The £32m striker, signed from Atletico Madrid in the summer, struck twice as the Blues triumphed 6-3 at Goodison Park, but was booked in the second-half after taunting Seamus Coleman following the full-back's 67th minute own goal.

Tim Howard, the Toffees' goalkeeper, was also cautioned for the altercation which ensued.

While Jose Mourinho launched a strong defence of his star striker's actions at full-time, Martinez was more forceful with his post match comments.

"There are certain foreign players who come to the Premier League who need to understand the ethics and the culture," he said.

"The behaviour in the British game is unique. The last thing you want to see is disrespect from a player to another player and I am sure he will learn that very quickly.

"There is a real professionalism and respect in the league so you can understand why the players weren't happy with that, in the same way as trying to buy free-kicks with the way he plays."

Costa has already made an impact on the Premier League
Costa has already made an impact on the Premier League (Getty)

The Spain international has now scored four goals in the opening three Premier League games as Chelsea maintained their impressive 100% start to the new campaign.

Mourinho, who already felt aggrieved after Costa's booking for simulation against Burnley a fortnight ago, believes that the 25-year-old is being treated unfairly.

"To be chasing cards against a player who once more had good behaviour and was just here to play football is disappointing," said the former Porto and Inter Milan boss.

"At the end of the story, Diego is maybe the best player in the Premier League in the first three matches and he has two yellow cards - one against Burnley where he didn't simulate, it was a penalty, and one against Everton, when everyone was chasing him to get him in trouble. That is disappointing."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in