Antonio Conte has pleaded with English referees to "permit Diego Costa to play his football" after the striker once again found himself the centre of attention in Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium.
Costa scored two goals, earned his third booking of the season and became embroiled in a running battle with Jordi Amat as Swansea ended Conte's perfect start to life as Chelsea head coach, courtesy of a Gylfi Sigurdsson penalty and a controversial Leroy Fer goal.
Amat was shown a yellow card in the 48th minute after a clash of heads with Costa -- who was fouled seven times during the match, more than any other player on the pitch -- and Conte believes Chelsea's opponents are deliberately targeting the fiery Spain international in the hope of getting him sent off.