Everton’s Oumar Niasse set a little bit of Premier League history on Tuesday afternoon.
As a result of the decision which saw Everton awarded a controversial penalty at Selhurst Park at the weekend, the Senegalese striker has become the first player in the division to be charged by the Football Association for “successful deception of a match official”.
Niasse had gone down after minimal contact from Crystal Palace’s Scott Dann. Leighton Baines went on to score the spot kick, with Niasse later on hand to convert an Everton equaliser as the game ended in a 2-2 draw.
The charge comes after new laws were introduced in May allowing players to be charged after a game for simulation.
In response to the news, many football fans asked why referee Anthony Taylor had gone unpunished after awarding an incorrect decision.
That Niasse dive for me shouldn’t result in a ban for him, the referee shouldn’t have gave it, if the penalty wasn’t given he would’ve received nothing
— corey🛸☄️ (@coreyajd) November 21, 2017
Niasse shouldn't be charged, the referee should be made accountable, week in week out they botch decisions and face no real punishment, also how does it work, you only get punishment if you con the ref because there is a dive in almost every match 🤔 #FA
— Chuggernaught (@Chuggernaught5) November 21, 2017
Ultimately, spotlight has now been hoisted onto Niasse when referee standards again is the issue. Taylor should never have been ‘deceived’.
— Ben Grounds (@Ben_Islington) November 21, 2017
Referee needs to be made an example of instead of Niasse. No reason for him to make any decision there.
— Jamie Loftus-Hinks (@JamieRHinks) November 21, 2017
My view on Niasse's diving ban: There was (minimal) contact on him which he made the most of but Is that really a problem? He won an important penalty for his team, don't punish the player for a referee being bad at their job. Thoughts?
— FPL Bonus Points (@BonusFPL) November 21, 2017
As well as this, other football fans argued that the potential two-game ban being faced by Niasse seemed unfair when considering he would’ve only faced a yellow card if Taylor had spotted the simulation during the game.
Possible 2 match ban for niasse.If the referee sees it and considers it to be simulated he gets a yellow card!!! Fucking joke 😡
— brian efc murphy (@murph19591959) November 21, 2017
If the ref found niasse guilty of diving during the match it would be a yellow card, but because he missed it, its a two match ban. WTF?
— Ari J (@AriJosefsberg) November 21, 2017
So because the ref didn’t do his job properly instead of a yellow card Niasse will receive a 2 match ban? How the fuck do you work that out? #Justice4Oumar
— Lisa (@lLisaEFC) November 21, 2017
Niasse was given until 18.00 on Tuesday to respond to the charge.
