Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho jumped to the defence of Diego Costa after a flashpoint during the stalemate with Sunderland.
The in-form hitman failed to add to his 11 goals for the season at the Stadium of Light but escaped punishment after appearing to kick out at John O'Shea, before picking up his fifth yellow card of the season for catching fellow defender Wes Brown with a flailing arm during a 0-0 draw for the Barclays Premier League leaders.
However, asked if Costa's feisty approach to the game was becoming a problem, Mourinho said: "Why do you speak all the time about Diego? I don't agree, I don't agree. I was just told that he was unlucky to get the yellow card."
Costa will be suspended for Wednesday night's clash with Tottenham, although Mourinho insists he will lose no sleep over his absence.
Asked if Chelsea will miss him, he said: "No. We'll play (Loic) Remy or (Didier) Drogba. We don't cry about injured players or about suspended players.
"If he's suspended, he's suspended. He can rest, he can be fresh against Newcastle and against Tottenham, Drogba and Remy will have their opportunity to start the game. No problem, let's go."
Opposite number Gus Poyet admitted Costa could have seen red, but did not argue with referee Kevin Friend's decision to spare him.
Poyet said: "That's Diego, always on the line, close to the limit. The first one with John O'Shea, there was a little bit of a situation in there.
"But those decisions, if they go one way or the other, I would say the same here. But it's true that sometimes you give the ref the chance, and if you give the ref the chance, then it's difficult to complain,
"But I'm pleased he is going to be able to play because he's the best striker in the league and you want to see him week in, week out."
