Cody Gakpo “Cheating” Controversy: Liverpool Star Faces Calls for Ban After Burnley Stalemate

​The aftermath of Liverpool’s 1-1 draw against Burnley on Saturday, January 17, 2026, has shifted from the pitch to the disciplinary offices of the Football Association. While the result itself was a blow to Liverpool’s title aspirations, the narrative is now dominated by accusations of “cheating” leveled against Dutch forward Cody Gakpo. Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has led the charge, demanding a retrospective ban for what he describes as a blatant act of simulation to win a first-half penalty.

​The Incident That Ignited the Storm

​With the match at Anfield still goalless, Gakpo drove into the box and went down under a challenge from Burnley midfielder Florentino Luis. Referee Andy Madley pointed to the spot, much to the disbelief of the Burnley players and manager Scott Parker. Despite a VAR review, the decision stood, though replays suggested the contact was minimal at best.

​In a twist that Burnley fans viewed as “poetic justice,” Dominik Szoboszlai—stepping in as penalty taker while Mohamed Salah remains at AFCON—saw his effort thunder off the crossbar. While the missed penalty meant the scoreline remained level at that moment, the ethical debate was only just beginning.

​Hackett’s Scathing Critique

​Keith Hackett, a veteran referee and former head of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), has been the most vocal critic. Speaking to Football Insider, Hackett was uncompromising in his assessment: “This is a dive, and not a very good one. No way is this a penalty, and it’s not even a clever one.”

​Hackett’s frustration extended beyond Gakpo to the officiating team and the VAR booth. He questioned how a professional referee could be fooled by such an “unconvincing” tumble and why the technology failed to rectify the error. “Next, you really start to question the match official, what he’s seen, and also what VAR are doing to allow him to get to that decision,” Hackett added.

​The Call for Retrospective Action

​The most significant aspect of Hackett’s intervention is his call for a radical change in how simulation is punished. Currently, a yellow card is the standard on-field punishment, but retrospective bans are rarely issued unless the simulation directly leads to a red card for an opponent.

​Hackett is advocating for the establishment of a “Monday Panel” specifically designed to review incidents of “cheating.” He argues that until players face a three-match suspension for clear simulation, the integrity of the Premier League remains at risk. “We all want to win, but let’s win properly,” Hackett stated, suggesting that Gakpo should be the first high-profile case for this proposed new disciplinary measures.

​Context: A Damaging Result for Liverpool

​The Gakpo controversy adds to the mounting pressure on Arne Slot. Liverpool have now drawn four consecutive Premier League matches—against Leeds, Fulham, Arsenal, and now Burnley. This winless streak has seen them slip 7 points behind the top three, a significant decline compared to their position at this stage last season.

​Despite Florian Wirtz scoring a superb opener just before halftime on Saturday, Liverpool’s inability to kill the game proved fatal. Marcus Edwards, making his first significant impact for Burnley, scored a 65th-minute equalizer that silenced Anfield and prompted boos at the final whistle.

​Media and Fan Reaction

​The reaction has been split along predictable lines. Liverpool supporters argue that Florentino Luis was “clumsy” and that Gakpo was entitled to go down under contact. However, the wider media has been less forgiving. The Athletic’s James Pearce noted the frustration inside the stadium, stating Liverpool “made an absolute hash” of the game and only had themselves to blame for leaving it in the hands of a controversial penalty decision.

​Burnley manager Scott Parker echoed Hackett’s sentiment, labeling the penalty “soft,” though he expressed pride in his team’s resilience to secure a point that keeps their survival hopes alive.

​What Happens Next?

​As of Monday, January 19, the FA has not officially opened an investigation into Gakpo’s conduct. However, the public pressure from a figure as influential as Hackett ensures the incident will not be forgotten quickly. If a panel were to be established, Gakpo could theoretically face a multi-match ban, which would leave an already depleted Liverpool squad—missing Salah and recently seeing Sadio Mane confirm his retirement—in a dire situation.

​For Gakpo, a player usually praised for his professionalism and work rate, the “cheat” label is a heavy one to carry. Whether the FA acts or not, the “Anfield Dive” of 2026 is set to remain a talking point in the ongoing debate over VAR, refereeing standards, and the culture of simulation in the modern game.