Gary Neville goes off on Diego Costa’s three-match ban

It's not often that you see people other than Jose Mourinho defending Diego Costa.

But Gary Neville has done just that by claiming that the controversial Chelsea striker doesn't deserve the three game ban handed to him for violent conduct. Costa was retrospectively punished by the FA for raising his hands to the face of Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny last weekend. And former Manchester United right back Neville disagrees with the suspension. https://twitter.com/GNev2/status/646392521753538560 One of Neville's 3 million Twitter followers responded to Neville's criticism of the ban by claiming that Costa had committed more than one offence which could have earned him red but the Sky Sports pundit had the answer. https://twitter.com/AFCDaveGee/status/646393160848003073 https://twitter.com/GNev2/status/646393524045414400 A United fan responded with disapproval of Neville's opinion and the Old Trafford legend didn't hold back.

@GNev2 utter bullocks u preaching. 2 hands in his face and a back hand. And i am a United supporter! 3 match ban is fair!

— Sasha Vickers (@Sachmozi) September 22, 2015

https://twitter.com/GNev2/status/646393808989614080 Some suggested Neville was after a drink, so unexpected was his theory but that was rubbished.

@GNev2 Have you been on the sauce today? — Neil Smallwood (@neilsmallwood1) September 22, 2015

https://twitter.com/GNev2/status/646394167296458753 Some history was discussed.

@GNev2 how many games would you say Keown deserved for the V Nistrlrooy incident then, Your Honour?

— Geogheganj (@geogheganj) September 22, 2015

https://twitter.com/GNev2/status/646394459211571200 And of course Manchester United came up.

@GNev2 @Sachmozi What players did we have that behaved like Costa? Name two? #MUFC — Billy Meredith (@UrmstonLordMUFC) September 22, 2015

https://twitter.com/GNev2/status/646395071831638018