Newcastle United
Anthony Gordon was allegedly called a ‘diver’ during his side’s defeat to Newcastle United.
Frank Lampard has claimed Anthony Gordon called himself a “diver” after Everton had a penalty appeal rejected during their 1-0 defeat by Newcastle United.
Eddie Howe’s side opened the scoring on the half-hour when Miguel Almiron curled a superb left-footed shot past Jordan Pickford from the edge of the 18-yard box.
The visitors, however, believed they should have been awarded a spot kick on the brink of the break when Gordon went to ground under a challenge from Dan Burn.
Kieran Trippier was the first to tackle Gordon before Fabian Schar’s involvement sparked a melee between both sets of players. As a result, Gordon and Schar received a yellow card.
Everton winger Anthony Gordon. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Gordon’s discipline has been a concern for Lampard this campaign after the 21-year-old served a one-match ban against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.
But the Toffees boss did not complain about Gordon’s booking at St James’ Park after he reacted to being called a “diver”.
Lampard said: “I’m not saying ‘great to have a fight’, but when people run over and call you a diver when you’ve had a bit of contact, I understand human nature and the reaction. That doesn’t worry me.
“I didn’t mind Anthony’s performance at all. Part of his game in the first half, the threat he was. He moved the ball quickly in tight areas when he was further down the field. He can be more of a offensive threat? Yeah, sure. I like his work ethic. It’s a tough place to come and play. I was happy with Anthony.”
“I didn’t see a replay of it, but my vision at the time was shoulder to shoulder,” Howe said, “I thought Dan was moving his arms away if there was anything when there was contact. Naturally, I’m going to say no there’s a penalty, but I haven’t seen it again.”