Chelsea's interim manager Guus Hiddink has praised striker Diego Costa for being calm and in control at half-time, following an altercation with Juan Carlos Paredes.

The Blues were held to a goalless draw at Vicarage Road and currently in 13th position in the league table.




Costa and Paredes were involved in bust-up around half time, as the Watford defender was shoved to the ground by the Spaniard.

Earlier in the half, the striker had also pushed defender Sebastian Prodl, but it was the second incident which infuriated the Watford players.
 


Both players were booked in the aftermath of the incident and Costa may have felt lucky to have escaped a red card.

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However, Hiddink has praised his striker for remaining calm and insists that Costa was punched by Paredes.

He has also accused Ecuadorian defender of trying to get the Spanish striker sent off.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Hiddink said via his club's site: “It was very clear because it was just 10 yards from our bench.

“Paredes punched Diego in his back and after that they stumbled and Paredes put his hands to his head, but Diego was nowhere near his head.

“It was provocation to get someone off the pitch. Happily the ref and the assistant saw it.

“Diego was calm and in control at half-time. There was nothing needed from me or the other players to calm him down.”

The Blues host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday and will be looking for a win to move further up the table.