“Cody Gakpo Dodges Ban Over Controversial Goal Celebration, Receives FA Warning”
“Cody Gakpo Escapes Ban for Goal Celebration, Faces FA Warning Instead”
Cody Gakpo will avoid suspension following his goal celebration in Liverpool’s 5-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, though he is expected to receive a formal warning from the Football Association (FA).
After scoring Liverpool’s third goal on the day they secured the Premier League title, the 25-year-old removed his shirt to reveal a vest with the message “I Belong to Jesus,” earning a mandatory yellow card from referee Thomas Bramall.
Previous reports indicated that the Dutch forward might face disciplinary measures for violating an International Football Association Board (IFAB) regulation prohibiting the display of “political, religious, or personal slogans, statements, or images.”
According to the Daily Mail, the FA will issue Gakpo a formal reminder about his responsibilities under these regulations but will not impose further punishment.
This isn’t the first time this season that the FA has addressed kit regulation violations. Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi received a similar reminder after wearing rainbow armbands in consecutive matches featuring the phrases “I love Jesus” and “Jesus loves you.”
Let this be the end of the matter…
The authorities have shown some common sense in handling Gakpo’s vest message on Sunday. Issuing a ban for such an incident would have been absurd, but the entire situation feels blown out of proportion.
While it’s understandable that rules exist to prevent provocative political or religious statements, there are far more pressing issues in English football. For instance, six years after its introduction, VAR’s inconsistent application continues to frustrate fans nationwide, and the unresolved case of Manchester City’s 115 alleged financial fair play breaches remains a far bigger concern.
Once the FA delivers its warning to Gakpo, the matter should be considered closed. This minor controversy certainly won’t dampen the celebrations among Liverpool fans after securing their 20th league title last weekend!