**Gakpo’s Goal Celebration May Lead to Disciplinary Action Over FA Rule Breach**
One Liverpool player could be in trouble following the team’s celebratory scenes at Anfield on Sunday. After helping his side clinch a resounding 5-1 victory over Tottenham — a win that sealed their 20th league title — forward Cody Gakpo may now be facing disciplinary action due to a possible breach of a relatively obscure regulation in football’s rulebook.
The controversy stems from Gakpo’s celebration after scoring Liverpool’s third goal. In a moment of elation, he removed his jersey to reveal a vest underneath with the message “I Belong to Jesus” printed on it. While removing a shirt during a goal celebration automatically results in a yellow card — which referee Thomas Bramall duly issued — the message on his undershirt has prompted further scrutiny.
According to *The Telegraph*, Gakpo’s actions could be deemed a violation of Law 4 under the FA’s regulations. This rule prohibits players from wearing or displaying any undergarments that contain religious, political, or personal statements during matches. Although the initial yellow card was in line with standard procedure for shirt removal, the message on Gakpo’s vest may warrant additional sanctions.
Any punishment would likely come from the Football Association (FA), the Premier League, or potentially FIFA, depending on how the incident is classified. At present, it’s uncertain whether Gakpo will be fined, suspended, or simply issued a warning. Nonetheless, the situation highlights the strict stance football authorities maintain when it comes to regulating on-pitch expressions, even those made during celebratory moments.
The incident has ignited a debate among fans, analysts, and commentators, many of whom believe that Gakpo’s gesture was harmless and sincere. Critics of the rule argue that while it’s important to maintain neutrality and avoid controversial messaging, punishing a player for a personal and faith-based expression seems heavy-handed — especially when more egregious acts by others often go overlooked or under-punished.
With Liverpool having already secured the league title, any disciplinary measures are unlikely to affect the team’s remaining fixtures. Still, the potential action against Gakpo has broader implications for football’s approach to individual expression. The discussion surrounding this incident could serve as a catalyst for reexamining the balance between regulatory enforcement and allowing room for genuine, non-disruptive emotional displays within the sport.
