The pictures from Chelsea’s FA Cup defeat at Everton were sufficiently ambiguous to render Barry’s testimony as the decisive piece of evidence determining whether Costa committed the sinful act of biting a fellow professional.
Not only did Barry decline an obvious opportunity to exaggerate the incident at the time — as many other players would do to seek an advantage — but in quickly taking to social media, Barry ended a debate that would have otherwise raged on until the Football Association’s disciplinary panel swung into gear.
Costa is still likely to receive a three-match ban for his aggressive conduct after clashing with Barry and then remonstrating excessively with referee Michael Oliver upon receiving a second yellow card and resultant red at Goodison Park.
With Chelsea’s season all but over, Costa’s suspension will accelerate a countdown to a summer in which his departure looks increasingly probable. Barry’s integrity ensured the striker not have to endure an extended time in the spotlight for a crime that he did not commit.
