Chelsea icon Diego Costa headbutts opponent in Copa Libertadores and gets away with it

Former Chelsea striker and notorious Premier League antagonist Diego Costa has managed to avoid a red card after headbutting an opponent during a Copa Libertadores match.

The 35-year-old is currently playing in his native Brazil (despite representing Spain internationally) and it seems that age hasn't tempered his fiery temperament, as he headbutted an opponent just weeks after joining Gremio. Costa was a fan favourite during his three-and-a-half-year stint at Stamford Bridge, with his aggressive and uncompromising style of play making him a nightmare for defenders.

However, his antics often bordered on theatrics, earning him a reputation as a top-tier agitator, among other labels bestowed by rival fans. After a brief and largely forgettable spell at Wolves which ended last year, Costa moved to Botafogo before signing for Brazilian heavyweights Gremio at the start of this year.

The two-time Premier League winner demonstrated that he hasn't lost any of his infamous temper during a Copa Libertadores group stage match against Chilean side Huachipato on Tuesday. With Gremio trailing 1-0 just before half-time, Costa found himself in an off-the-ball altercation with defender Benjamin Gazzolo.

The pair squared up to each other, prompting players from both sides and even the referee to rush over. Upon the players' arrival, Costa delivered a headbutt to the defender right in front of the referee, who was the first to intervene and separate the incensed striker.

This action by Costa ignited a heated response from Huachipato players as they tried to seize and confront him. Despite blatantly headbutting an opponent within the referee's sight, Costa was only given a yellow card, leaving everyone at the stadium, including the striker, bewildered.

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Gremio were defeated 2-0, with the visitors netting their second goal just moments after Costa avoided a red card. Costa netted 59 goals in 120 matches for Chelsea, propelling the Blues to two Premier League titles in three seasons. A true club legend, he received a warm welcome from fans when he returned to Stamford Bridge in 2022 while playing for Wolves.