A heated exchange between former rivals Diego Costa and Martin Skrtel nearly escalated into a physical altercation during a charity match between Liverpool and Chelsea legends on Saturday. The incident occurred during a gala game intended as a pleasant exhibition, highlighting the enduring animosity between the two players stemming from their competitive days in the Premier League.
Costa, known for his aggressive style and frequently enough controversial behavior during his time with Atlético Madrid and chelsea, and Skrtel, recognized for his uncompromising defending with Liverpool, have a history of clashes. Saturday’s encounter saw a strong tackle by Skrtel on Costa quickly followed by retaliation from the Spanish striker, prompting two yellow cards and a vocal exchange between the pair.
The match, featuring former stars from both clubs, served as a reminder of the intense battles fought between Chelsea and Liverpool during the 2010s. Costa and Skrtel frequently found themselves on opposing sides during league and Champions League contests, often engaging in physical duels and verbal sparring. While the charity match was intended to be lighthearted, the ingrained rivalry clearly resurfaced, briefly threatening to overshadow the event’s charitable purpose.
The game took place on October 11, 2025, with updates to the story published at 18:55 and 21:10 GMT.
