Newcastle United players’ one-word insult to Anthony Gordon that left Everton star raging

Frank Lampard has claimed that Anthony Gordon was called a “diver” after Everton had a penalty appeal turned down during their 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United.

Eddie Howe’s side opened the scoring on the half-hour mark when Miguel Almiron curled a lovely left-footed finish past Jordan Pickford from the edge of the 18-yard box.

The visitors, however, felt they should have been awarded a spot-kick on the brink of half-time when Gordon fell to ground under a challenge from Dan Burn.

Kieran Trippier was the first to confront Gordon before Fabian Schar’s involvement sparked a melee between both sets of players. As a result, Gordon and Schar were both yellow-carded.

Gordon’s discipline has been a concern for Lampard this campaign after the 21-year-old served a one-match suspension against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.

But the Toffees boss had no complaints about Gordon’s booking at St James’ Park after reacting to being called a “diver”.

Lampard said: “I’m not saying ‘great have a scuffle’ but when you get people running over and calling you a diver when you’ve had a bit of contact, I understand human nature and the reaction. I’m not concerned by that.

“I didn’t mind Anthony’s performance at all. Some of his play in the first half, the threat that he was. He moved the ball quickly in tight areas when he was deeper down the pitch. Can he be more of a threat in an attacking sense? Yeah for sure. I like his work ethic. It’s a tough place to come and play. I was pleased with Anthony.”

Lampard bemoaned Tony Harrington and VAR’s decision not to award a penalty. Howe, however, agreed with the on-field call.

“I haven’t seen a replay of it but my view at the time was shoulder to shoulder,” Howe said, “I thought Dan pulled his arms away if anything as contact was made. Naturally, I’m going to say no penalty but I haven’t seen it again.”