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 He went down in an off-the-ball incident with Fulham’s Aboubakar Kamara, whose red card for the clash was later rescinded.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.
When asked about Niasse, former Premier League head of referees Keith Hackett told BBC Radio 5 live: “I think on this one, he deceived [referee] 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 are not punished by a goal that has been scored by 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.
FA Charge Everton’s Niasse For Diving
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