Chelsea’s snarling striker Diego Costa was sent off during his side’s 2-0 FA Cup defeat at Everton on Saturday after bizarrely nuzzling the neck of opposing midfielder Gareth Barry.

The Brazil-born Spain international was booked in the first half for a foul on Barry and in the 84th minute the pair clashed again after Costa took exception to a challenge by the former England international.

Costa leapt up from the pitch and thrust his head into Barry’s before moving his mouth towards his neck and motioning as if to bite the Everton midfielder, only to apparently think better of it.

Referee Michael Oliver reached for a yellow card, followed by a red, as Costa was sent off for the first time in his Chelsea career.

Barry was booked for the foul on Costa and saw red himself moments later after being shown a second yellow card for clumsily tripping Cesc Fabregas.

Everton prevailed courtesy of a late brace from former Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, taking them into the semi-finals.