Liverpool drew with Burnley at Anfield on Saturday and were awarded a controversial penalty against the Clarets
Cody Gakpo was awarded a penalty after a fould by Burnley's Florentino Luis.(Image: )
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Former FIFA referee Keith Hackett says the FA should investigate Cody Gakpo and ban the Liverpool forward after 'diving' to win a penalty against Burnley. With the score level at 0-0, the Reds forward appeared to be bundled to the floor by Clarets' midfielder Florentino Luis.
Fans were not convinced and Dominik Szoboszlai stepped up to the spot, but his shot cannoned off the crossbar from 12 yards out. Supporters felt it was justice after the awarding of the soft penalty.
Now, Hackett has gone further and claims a panel should be set up to suspend players for 'cheating.'
Former head of the PGMOL Hackett, told Football Insider: "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.
"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, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Axel Tuanzebe of Burnley battles for possession with Federico Chiesa of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Burnley at Anfield on January 17, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool were held to a frustrating draw against Burnley(Image: Liverpool FC, Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Liverpool did eventually break the deadlock through Florian Wirtz on the brink of half-time, with the German playmaker the standout performer for Arne Slot's side.
However, Marcus Edwards restored parity in the second half just after the hour mark, finding the back of the net to give the relegation battlers a huge point on the road.
Burnley boss Scott Parker also felt the decision to award a penalty was a soft one, but was pleased with his side's response in the second half.
“We had to weather a lot in the first half but we showed more of our quality in the second half,” he 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.”