Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink believes Juan Carlos Paredes attempted to have Diego Costa sent off at Watford on Wednesday night.
The Ecuadorian defender and Spanish striker were at each other during the 0-0 draw at Vicarage Road before the former made plenty of a clash just before half-time, in which both players were booked.
Paredes went down easily when touched on the back by Costa and flopped to the floor in front of both benches, holding his head.
There was minimal contact from Costa and the actions of Paredes were condemned by Hiddink who felt the Hornets full-back did everything he could to try and prompt a reaction from referee Mike Dean.
"It was very clear because it was just 10 yards from our bench," said the Dutchman.
"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."