Everton striker Niasse facing two-match ban after FA diving charge

Everton forward Oumar Niasse is the first Premier League player to face retrospective punishment for simulation under new Football Association rules.

Niasse won a sixth-minute penalty, converted by Leighton Baines, after Scott Dann was adjudged to have fouled him by referee Anthony Taylor during Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park.

Replays suggested contact was minimal and the FA has charged Niasse – who scored his sixth goal of the season later in the match – for “successful deception of a match official”.

Niasse must respond by 18:00 GMT on Tuesday to the charge, which will land him with a two-match ban if upheld.

Everton’s Oumar Niasse charged for ‘Successful Deception of a Match Official’ following Saturday’s Crystal Palace game. Full statement: https://t.co/phszGjImeK

— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) November 21, 2017

Niasse, 27, would not be the first player in English football to be punished under the regulations introduced for the 2017-18 season.

Shaun Miller of League Two side Carlisle United was suspended after he won a penalty during September’s 3-3 draw against Wycombe Wanderers.

Bristol City defender Bailey Wright also spent two matches on the sidelines due to his part in a clash with Fulham’s Aboubakar Kamara, who was sent off in an October Championship match at Craven Cottage. 

Everton are still playing under caretaker manager David Unsworth and lie 16th in the Premier League, with games against Southampton and West Ham coming on the back of Thursday’s Europa League match with Atalanta.