One Liverpool star could reportedly face sanctions from the English Football Association after breaking a strict International Football Association Board (IFAB) law.
On Sunday afternoon, Liverpool secured their 20th top flight title after they dismantled Tottenham Hotspur in front of a jubilant crowd inside Anfield.
Strikes from Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah, plus an own goal from Destiny Udogie, sealed a convincing 5-1 win.
Former Liverpool striker Dominic Solanke had netted the opener for Spurs before they were blown away by Arne Slot’s men.
With 34 minutes on the clock, Dutchman Gakpo scored to make it 3-1.
As he celebrated his goal, he was seen taking off his top and unveiling a vest that had ‘I belong to Jesus’ written on it, recreating Kaka’s famous picture from the 06/07 season.
However, it has now been claimed that Gakpo could face punishment for his celebration.
According to rules set out by IFAB, players are not allowed to display ‘political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images’.
Cody Gakpo celebrating Liverpool’s third goal against Spurs. Image: Getty
As reported by The Athletic, who wrote on social media: “Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo could face action from the English FA after removing his shirt to reveal a religious message during his side’s win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
“The International Football Association Board (IFAB) laws of the game — which the FA follows — prohibit player’s equipment from containing “any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images.”
““The player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, national football association or by FIFA,” IFAB adds.”
Gakpo was also seen wearing the same vest after the final whistle as the players celebrated winning the title in front of their own fans.
Earlier in the season, Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi escaped punishment after writing on his rainbow armband.
The FA did not take any formal action against Guehi for his message, although it has reminded Crystal Palace of the kit regulations.
Rule A4 in full states: “The appearance on, or incorporation in, any item of clothing, football boots or other equipment of any distasteful, threatening, abusive, indecent, insulting, discriminatory or otherwise ethically or morally offensive message, or any political or religious message, is prohibited. The advertising of tobacco products is prohibited.”
