Gakpo’s Goal Celebration Raises FA Concerns After Liverpool Victory | OneFootball

Ruthless Reds Seal Second Title in Style

Liverpool sealed their second-ever Premier League title at the weekend, storming to a 5-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in front of a jubilant Anfield crowd. Despite needing just a point, Arne Slot’s side played with purpose, hunger, and a title-winning swagger rarely matched this season.

Former Red Dominic Solanke gave Spurs the early lead, but it was quickly cancelled out by Luis Díaz. The Colombian restored parity before Alexis Mac Allister smashed in a thunderous left-footed effort from outside the area, fed by Ryan Gravenberch. Cody Gakpo’s smart finish from inside the box gave Liverpool a 3-1 advantage before the break. Mohamed Salah added a fourth, and a Destiny Udogie own goal rounded off the rout.

It was a performance soaked in conviction and clarity—Liverpool’s 80th league goal this term underlines the attacking threat Slot has cultivated in his debut campaign.

Photo IMAGO

Controversy Clouds Cody Gakpo’s Celebration

But amid the celebrations came controversy. Shortly after scoring Liverpool’s third, Gakpo lifted his jersey to reveal the religious message: “I belong to Jesus.”

The celebration evoked memories of Kaka’s Champions League final moment in 2007—ironically also against Liverpool—when the Brazilian revealed the same slogan while wearing AC Milan colours in Athens.

Though Gakpo received a yellow card for removing his shirt, The Telegraph reports that the FA may issue further sanctions due to the religious nature of the slogan.

FA Rules Leave Little Room for Expression

According to Law 4 of the International Football Association Board’s rulebook:“Equipment must not have any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images. Players must not reveal undergarments that show political, religious, personal slogans, statements or images, or advertising other than the manufacturer’s logo.”

The FA’s stance remains firm, with previous incidents punished under the same guidelines. Gakpo’s case is unlikely to be treated differently, regardless of sentiment behind the statement.

Bigger Picture for Gakpo and Liverpool

This may prove a minor storm in an otherwise golden weekend, but it adds a layer of unwanted distraction. For a club basking in its Premier League triumph, headlines about possible FA punishment feel like an unwelcome hangover. Liverpool, ever media-savvy, will likely work to ensure the spotlight remains on their on-pitch success.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, this should’ve been a week of unfiltered joy. Winning the title with such flair and dominance is what dreams are made of. But Cody Gakpo’s well-intentioned celebration might risk casting a shadow over an otherwise flawless afternoon.

There’s no doubting Gakpo’s sincerity—his faith is a part of who he is. “I belong to Jesus” isn’t offensive, and for many it’s even uplifting. But rules are rules, and the FA’s regulations on slogans—be they political, religious or personal—are crystal clear. It’s a grey area emotionally, but not legally.

Slot’s Liverpool have cultivated discipline on the pitch, and moments like this—though harmless in spirit—could become a distraction. What if this leads to a ban or fine just as we push towards more silverware or head into pre-season preparations?

Fans are right to ask whether common sense can be applied in situations like this, but precedent suggests otherwise. This isn’t about religious bias—it’s about uniform enforcement of the law. Still, it’s hard not to feel a little frustrated that in a sport fuelled by passion and belief, a moment of personal expression is being scrutinised so harshly.

Gakpo’s goals and character are beyond reproach. Let’s hope the FA show understanding—because while the laws of the game matter, so too does the human element that makes football so powerful.