Keith Hackett: Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo Should Face Ban After ‘Dive’ Reviewed

 

 

Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett has called for The FA to consider suspending players after Cody Gakpo appeared to deceive the referee in Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Burnley at Anfield. Hackett told Football Insider that referee Andy Madley was effectively “sold a dive” by Liverpool’s No. 18 on Saturday, 17 January.

Florian Wirtz starred for Liverpool, but Burnley responded through Marcus Edwards, leaving the Reds unable to secure a win against the Premier League’s 19th-placed side. Manager Arne Slot is facing mounting pressure, especially with Xabi Alonso now available, and the disappointing draw does little to ease concerns.

Liverpool had a chance to take the lead when Gakpo went down under minimal contact from Florentino Luis in the 31st minute, but many fans felt the penalty was soft. Dominik Szoboszlai later struck the crossbar from the spot, with some viewing it as justice for the decision.

Hackett described Gakpo’s fall as an obvious dive and criticized the officiating and VAR for allowing it. Speaking exclusively to Football Insider on The Final Whistle, he said:

“This was a dive, and not a very convincing one. There’s no way that’s a penalty. It wasn’t even clever. It raises questions about the referee and what VAR are doing. Some acts of simulation are sophisticated and need replays to catch, but this wasn’t one of them. We need a review panel on Mondays to consider suspensions for players trying to cheat. Everyone wants to win, but we should win properly.”