Newcastle’s United’s thrilling 3-2 loss to Liverpool on Saturday provided plenty of drama and controversy, with events surrounding Divock Origi’s late winner dominating discussions.
Origi headed home the winning goal from a Xherdan Shaqiri free-kick, awarded after Matt Ritchie seemingly fouled Liverpool’s Fabinho.
However Newcastle fans were quick to point out that Fabinho had dived to win the set-piece.
The Brazilian fell to the ground before Ritchie made any contact, yet a nearby linesman ruled it a foul.
Supporters are still furious over the decision now, especially as it went on to undo all of Newcastle’s hard work.
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The Magpies had twice fought their way back into the game after going a goal down, and could have put a serious dint in Liverpool’s title hopes had the score stayed at 2-2.
Fabinho’s actions however ultimately saved The Reds from a stalemate they couldn’t afford.
But for some Newcastle fans, that shouldn’t be where the incident ends.
Diving and simulation offences are something which on occasion are given retrospective bans, and many have been asking whether Fabinho’s actions deserve such punishment.
Simulation is an especially hot topic this weekend after a recent FA ruling on Leeds striker Patrick Bamford.
Bamford has been banned for two matches, and the decision means football fans now want to see more frequent punishments given.
But Newcastle fans are already well aware of how much attention the FA are going to give Fabinho’s dive, and it’s safe to say they’re not happy.
Newcastle fans question retrospective bans
https://twitter.com/MickeyAdamson/status/1124945399771541504
Why Fabinho will go unpunished
Unfortunately for Newcastle and Man City fans, Fabinho is unlikely to receive any punishment.
According to a report in The Sun yesterday, the FA regulations do not apply to such incidents.
The report stated that: ‘Under FA regulations, successful deception of a match official charges only relate to alleged acts of simulation that either led to a penalty or an opponent being sent off for a red or second yellow card… They do not relate to free kicks in general.’
In the case of Patrick Bamford, his actions led to El Ghazi being sent off.
Therefore under FA regulations his simulation is regarded as deception and he was rightfully given a ban.
Fabinho’s ‘dive’ however did not deceive officials into making a truly game-effecting decision.
Even though it played a role in Liverpool scoring, it is not classed as deception of a match official.
