Guus Hiddink accused Watford of trying to provoke Diego Costa after the Chelsea striker was involved in a series of clashes during a feisty 0-0 draw at Vicarage Road.
Costa appeared fortunate to avoid a red card after he pushed over Watford defender Sebastian Prodl and then shoved Juan Carlos Paredes later in the first half.
The second offence infuriated Watford’s players and finally prompted referee Mike Dean to book Costa.
The Spain international had already been given a retrospective three-game ban this season after Dean failed to send him off following clashes with Arsenal pair Laurent Koscielny and Gabriel.
But Chelsea interim manager Hiddink felt Costa was more sinned against than sinner on this occasion.
“It was very clear because we were very close. Paredes punched Diego in his back and after that they stumbled,” Hiddink said.
“This is something we must not do. It’s provocation to get Diego off the pitch.
“The ref saw it and didn’t fall for this provocation. There’s no way Diego was near the guy’s face.
“This is a man’s game, defenders are big guys and sometimes they go over the edge but this is something we must not do.”
Hiddink said Costa never looked like losing his cool, but he did concede serial offender Costa, who reportedly punched a hole in a tunnel walk after rowing with West Bromwich Albion players recently, must do more to keep control of emotions in general.
“Yeah I talked to him but he was calm and in control, there was nothing needed to calm him down,” Hiddink said.
“He felt he was provoked and when he is provoked I will protect him. Costa likes to go physical but he must do it within the rules.”