Everton striker Oumar Niasse has become the first Premier League player to be charged by the Football Association for “successful deception of a match official”.
The Senegal international won a controversial penalty, after minimal contact from Scott Dann, in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace, with Leighton Baines scoring the penalty.
Niasse went on to score the equaliser at Selhurst Park.
He has until 18:00 GMT to respond.
New laws were introduced in May allowing players to be charged after a game for simulation. Carlisle forward Shaun Miller was the first to be banned for two games in October.
Bristol City defender Bailey Wright was suspended for two games earlier this month after being found guilty of simulation. He went down in an off-the-ball incident with Fulham’s Aboubakar Kamara, whose red card for the clash was later rescinded.
Manchester City forward Bernardo Silva and Watford’s Richarlison have both avoided charges this season.
Former Premier League head of referees Keith Hackett spoke to BBC Radio 5 live about the decision: “I think on this one, he deceived Anthony Taylor 100%. Anthony, in a good position, gave the penalty kick from his viewing angle.
“But the cameras behind the goal were clear that it was a dive. I applaud the FA for bringing out the fact that they can review these incidents, and then subsequently if the player is found guilty, punish.
“Why not take this valuable step of introducing the VAR
, so that the team that were playing Everton on Saturday are not punished by a goal that’s been scored for what, in effect, is cheating by the player – allegedly.”
An FA statement read: “Incidents which suggest a match official has been deceived by an act of simulation are referred to a panel consisting of one ex-match official, one ex-manager and one ex-player.
“Each panel member will be asked to review all available video footage independently of one another to determine whether they consider it was an offence of ‘Successful Deception of a Match Official’.
“Only in circumstances where the panel are unanimous would the FA issue a charge.”
Match of the Day analysis on Saturday
Former Everton defender Phil Neville said: “It was a dive. It was 100% a dive. There’s a bit of contact but he goes down trying to win the penalty. It’s a soft penalty.”
Former England captain Alan Shearer agreed: “I think it is a clear dive and he should be punished.”
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Source: BBC Sport