Richard Keys delivers verdict on Oumar Niasse’s Everton charge

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Everton striker Oumar Niasse has been charged by The FA for diving.

Well-known sports presenter Richard Keys has claimed on Twitter that The Football Association were correct to charge Everton striker Oumar Niasse with deceiving the referee.

The 27-year-old has been charged by England’s governing body after winning a penalty for the Toffees on Saturday afternoon during Everton’s 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace.

Losing 1-0 at the time, Niasse seemed to fall theatrically when colliding with Eagles captain Scott Dann and earned a penalty as Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot without hesitation.

Leighton Baines sent goalkeeper Julian Speroni the wrong way to equalise, before goals from Senegal international Niasse and Wilfried Zaha saw the game finish in an exciting 2-2 stalemate.

Keys reacted on Twitter to the decision to charge Niasse, stating The FA are “quite right” to hand out the punishment and that there would be “no point” in having the “diving” panel if they overlooked Niasse’s actions.

In-form striker Niasse, who has rejuvenated his career at Goodison Park with six goals in nine games after being frozen out by Ronald Koeman last season, has until 6pm to respond to the charge.

Everton are next in action on Thursday night against Serie A side Atalanta, a match in which Niasse cannot play as he is not registered to the Europa League squad. The Toffees face Southampton in Merseyside on Sunday in the Premier League.