Fans blast Cody Gakpo for ‘pathetic’ dive during Liverpool vs Man City

Liverpool star Cody Gakpo is the subject of criticism from fans after his poor attempt to win a penalty against Manchester City.

On Saturday afternoon, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool travelled to the Etihad Stadium hoping to dent City’s title bid.

However, despite Mohamed Salah’s opening goal in the 17th minute, City hit back 10 minutes later with Julian Alvarez scoring.

Liverpool produced a dismal display in the second half as City moved up the gears. Goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Jack Grealish completed a largely comfortable 4-1 win for the hosts.

Liverpool’s January signing Gakpo was ripped into by fans after his desperate attempt at winning a penalty when the Reds were 3-1 down in the 59th minute.

The Dutchman looked to capitalise on a mistake by City defender Manuel Akanji inside the penalty area. As Nathan Ake tried to tackle him, Gakpo took the opportunity to go down in a bid to deceive the referee.

However, Simon Hooper was unmoved as he waved away Gakpo’s appeal.

Fans immediately took to social media to hit out at the Liverpool forward.

One said: “This Gakpo dive should be shown from all angles now! What a cheat.”

Another tweeted: “Please, why on earth is Gakpo not booked for blatant dive?”

A third fan added: “Not often you see a dive as bad as Gakpo’s. Comical.”

Cody Gakpo wanted a penalty, but the referee wasn’t having any of it #MCILIV pic.twitter.com/zmEzHj3mvq

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) April 1, 2023

Someone else wrote: “That’s pathetic by Gakpo. Should be a suspension for a dive that bad.”

Whilst a fifth commented: “Loool! That dive from Gakpo was embarrassing man!!”

After the damning defeat by City, Liverpool will now have to dust themselves off ahead of another tough test against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

Ahead of the match, Klopp said: “Tomorrow we will talk about it. We play Tuesday and we should play better. More consistent.”

Can Klopp turn things around at Liverpool? Only time will tell.