Watford News: Richarlison faces ban for diving against Arsenal

The FA will today review video footage of the penalty awarded during Watford’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal on Saturday.

The Brazilian was accused of diving under Hector Bellerin’s challenge to con referee Neil Swarbrick. 

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger described it as “scandalous” and rules introduced for this season mean an FA panel can consider the incident.

Richarlison faces a two-match ban if found unanimously guilty by a three-man panel consisting of a former referee, former manager and former player.

No player has yet been punished in this way and the rules only apply to incidents resulting in a goal or a red card.

Former Premier League official Graham Poll said action should be taken.

“It is as clear an example of diving as you can see,” he said. “I wouldn’t blame Swarbrick, I would blame Richarlison for diving and deceiving.”

Marco Silva, the Watford manager, insisted it had been a straightforward decision.

“My reaction is to smile because you have to see again the eight games in the Premier League, and maybe you find 10 or 20 like this one,” he said.

And Troy Deeney, who scored from the penalty in question, was adamant Swarbrick had got it right.

“I know Hector, he’s a good lad, but that’s a penalty and the other way round he’d be screaming for a penalty,” he said.