Gakpo involved in penalty controversy

Today at 05:01 AM

Cody Gakpo was once again in fine form for the Netherlands over the weekend, helping his national team secure their place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League.

Following a frustrating start to the season during which Arne Slot was even questioned if Cody Gakpo was ‘angry’ at his lack of game time, the wide forward forced his way into the lineup at club level in recent weeks and has become a key member of the new Liverpool manager’s squad.

The Dutch international has enjoyed somewhat of a hot streak in front of goal as a result of his uptick in minutes, netting four goals in four games with the Reds ahead of the international break, with Gakpo earning praise from teammate Ryan Gravenberch as a result of his fine form.

The wide forward lined up alongside Gravenberch and fellow club star Virgil van Dijk on Saturday evening at the Johan Cruijff ArenA for the Netherlands’ clash with Hungary. And, as he so often has been for both club and country in recent months, Gakpo was instrumental in his side securing all three points, scoring the second goal from the penalty spot in an eventual 4-0 win for the Dutch.

Liverpool star Cody Gakpo scores controversial penalty in Netherlands 4-0 Hungary

Although a comfortable score line on paper, the game between the Netherlands and Hungary was not without its controversy.

Gakpo’s forward partner Wout Weghorst caused uproar, and has since been heavily criticised, for his wild celebrations after netting a penalty kick to make it 1-0 in the 21st minute of the game. The jubilation shown by the former Man Utd striker was deemed to have been insensitive as it was soon after Hungary assistant coach Adam Szalai was taken to hospital after collapsing on the touchline.

As noted by Dutch media outlet De Telegraaf, the controversy continued thereafter when Gakpo opted to not allow Weghorst to take the Netherlands’ second spot kick of the evening, much to the towering forward’s dismay:

“Cody Gakpo claimed the ball, not exactly to Weghorst’s satisfaction. The Liverpool player made no mistake and scored his 15th international goal.”

Ronald Koeman reacts to Cody Gakpo and Wout Weghorst penalty incident

Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman was asked about the incident between Gakpo and Weghorst during his post-match press conference, revealing that he ultimately allowed captain Van Dijk to choose who was allowed to take the second penalty of the game:

“The number one penalty taker is Wout. When the second penalty came I didn’t see [the incident] well, but I think I saw that Wout was arguing with Cody about who would take the penalty.

“I called Virgil, and asked him to decide who takes it. They can both take a penalty well, but it never seems as fun and beautiful when two players fight about it [who will take a spot kick].”