Should Diego Costa have seen red for stepping on the goalkeeper's foot during Spain's win over Iran?

  • Diego Costa caused controversy in the first half of Spain's victory over Iran
  • Costa stepped on the foot of the Iran keeper but escaped without punishment
  • Sportsmail's experts have their say on whether Costa should have been sent off

Diego Costa scored the winner as Spain beat Iran 1-0 in their World Cup clash on Wednesday night - but should he have been on the pitch? 

Costa caused controversy in the first half when he stepped on the foot of Iranian goalkeeper Ali Beiranvand, however he escaped without punishment.

Sportsmail's experts, former England international JAMIE REDKNAPP and former World Cup referee GRAHAM POLL, have had their say on the incident...

Diego Costa caused controversy in the first half of Spain's victory over Iran on Wednesday

Diego Costa caused controversy in the first half of Spain's victory over Iran on Wednesday

Costa appeared to step on the foot of Ali Beiranvand, but he escaped without punishment

Costa appeared to step on the foot of Ali Beiranvand, but he escaped without punishment

Sportsmail's experts have had their say on whether Costa should have been shown a red card

Sportsmail's experts have had their say on whether Costa should have been shown a red card

JAMIE REDKNAPP

Diego Costa was lucky not to be sent off for stepping on the Iran goalkeeper’s foot. Like David Beckham flicking a heel at Diego Simeone in 1998, it may have looked innocuous but there was intent. Costa plays on the edge but there’s always a risk he will cost Spain.


GRAHAM POLL

People love to hate Diego Costa. The Spain striker is certainly not one to back away from a confrontation but there is nothing to support a red card for this incident — as the video assistant referee will have seen.