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Abdulazeez Abubakar
1 month ago
Overview
Cody Gakpo learns FA decision on punishment over celebration during Liverpool title win
Cody Gakpo scored one of five Liverpool goals as the Reds sealed the title in style against Tottenham Hotspur but risked landing himself in hot water for his celebrations
Dutch forward Cody Gakpo has avoided a ban from the FA in relation to a "religious message" during Liverpool's title celebrations. The potential punishment relates to his goal celebration during the victory over Tottenham which saw Liverpool crowned champions, but he has simply been served a reminder of what is and is not permitted.
After scoring a first-half goal against Spurs, Gakpo took off his shirt to reveal a vest bearing the words "I belong to Jesus". The same message was revealed by Brazil and AC Milan star Kaka back in 2007 when he helped the Rossoneri beat Liverpool in the Champions League final.
Gakpo was shown a yellow card by referee Thomas Bramall - the standard punishment for a player removing their shirt in celebration, regardless of any message revealed. However, as reported by The Athletic, the religious nature of the message could be interpreted as going against the International Football Association Board's laws of the game.
"Players must not reveal undergarments that show political, religious, personal slogans, statements or images, or advertising other than the manufacturer’s logo," IFAB's laws of the game document states. "For any offence the player and/or the team will be sanctioned."
Back in December, Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi wore the message "I love Jesus" on his captain's armband during Rainbow Laces week. He and his club were formally reminded of the laws of the game, but no further punishment was issued, and Liverpool.com reports that the FA has written to Gakpo to remind him of the rules too - also with no further punishment to follow.
Gakpo has spoken publicly about his Christian faith in the past. "When I read scripture and study the Bible, it’s like a lifestyle," he told GQ in 2024. "As a football player, when you’re home, you’re not done because you have to eat good, sleep good, so you’re always busy with that and involved with being a better player.
"For me, my faith is the same. It’s all day, every day. Everywhere you can become a better person and in my opinion you can become closer to God through that guidance."
The 25-year-old's goal against Tottenham was his 17th of the campaign, taking him one clear of his tally from last season. However, it was his first club goal since February, when he netted against the same opponents in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Dominic Solanke opened the scoring for the visitors at Anfield, but it was 3-1 by half-time as Luis Diaz and Alexis Mac Allister netted before Gakpo. Mohamed Salah added a fourth during the second half, and the scoring was completed via a Destiny Udogie own goal.
"I think from the moment we arrived on the bus everyone could feel that we were never going to lose this game," manager Arne Slot told Match of the Day. "The fans were so supportive before and during the game. Even at 1-0 down you felt this team and the fans could get it over the line.
"Conceding from a set piece is always difficult but from that moment we were outstanding. We could have scored a few more. Tottenham's focus was probably more on Thursday but you still have to win it and we did."
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/cody-gakpo-fa-action-celebration-35140038
