Cody Gakpo accused of cheating as ex-referee wants Liverpool forward banned

Former referee Keith Hackett has called for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo to be banned following an alleged dive to win a penalty against Burnley in Saturday's 1-1 draw

Cody Gakpo has faced criticism following Saturday's game against Burnley(Image: Getty Images)

Former referee Keith Hackett has suggested that the Football Association (FA) should investigate and potentially suspend Liverpool striker Cody Gakpo following his alleged dive to win a penalty against Burnley.

With the score still at 0-0, Liverpool winger Gakpo appeared to fall under a challenge from Clarets midfielder Florentino Luis. Soccer fans were left somewhat sceptical, and although Dominik Szoboszlai took the resulting penalty, his 12-yard effort hit the crossbar.

After the questionable penalty was awarded, Burnley supporters felt justice had been served following Szoboszlai's miss. Hackett has now escalated matters, proposing that a panel be set up to impose bans for instances of simulation.

Speaking to Football Insider, the former PGMOL boss said: "This is a dive, and not a very good one. No way is this a penalty, and it's not even a clever one.

"Next, you really start to question the match official, and what he's seen, and also what VAR are doing to allow him to get to that decision.

"This was nowhere near a penalty. There are acts of simulation where players are really good, fooling referees, and you need a few replays to rule it out.

Gakpo won a penalty for Liverpool on Saturday(Image: Getty Images)

"This is why I've said we need a panel on a Monday, with a view to suspensions for players trying to cheat. We all want to win, but let's win properly."

Liverpool finally broke the deadlock through Florian Wirtz just before half-time, with the German midfielder emerging as the standout performer for Arne Slot's side.

However, Marcus Edwards drew the sides level in the second period shortly after the hour mark, netting to secure a vital point for the relegation-threatened team.

Burnley manager Scott Parker also felt the penalty decision was questionable, but was thrilled with his team's second-half showing.

"We had to weather a lot in the first half, but we showed more of our quality in the second half," Parker said.

"We changed a few things at half-time, it was important we were still in the game then, we were braver in possession and well worthy of our goal. It was an incredible finish (by Edwards).

"The penalty was soft, but once the referee gives it on-field, it's never going to be overturned.

"The key for us was getting in at half-time still in the game, so we could fix a few things."