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Costa hits out at English referees

Cape Town - Chelsea striker Diego Costa says he is being victimised by referees in the English Premier League after his latest altercation with his tackle on West Ham goalkeeper Adrian.

Costa scored a last-minute winner for the Blues against their London rivals in their opening fixture of the campaign on Monday night, but it was the referee's decision not to send off the fiery Spaniard that filled the column inches in the English newspapers the following day.

It's been said that referee Anthony Taylor didn't send off the former Atletico Madrid man as the striker's first booking was for protesting a decision, and despite having that bit of luck on his side, he still feels he's been unfairly targeted by certain sections of the English media.

"I'm finding this out now, because it was the second time I went to speak to him [the referee] that he gave me a card straight away," he told ESPN. "I found it a bit strange but later on I understood and after the first half I apologised.

"Here I'm marked by referees, I'm going to be honest. People always have - if I do anything, it's different to what any other footballer does.

"We need to see this because people marked me and I have to deal with it and ask God that these things don't mess me up or take away opportunities of the game that happens with suspension."

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