FA 'not looking' into Trent Alexander-Arnold celebration despite punishment claims

Trent Alexander-Arnold is not at risk of disciplinary action for his celebration at Manchester City on Saturday.

Liverpool's vice-captain scored an 80th-minute equaliser at the Etihad Stadium, earning the Reds a valuable point against the defending Premier League champions.

The draw ensured Jurgen Klopp's side didn't lose ground on the title favourites and are just two points off the top of the table heading into December.

After scoring his goal, Alexander-Arnold celebrated by putting his finger to his lips in front of the home fans, a gesture which riled some supporters.

In a post-match interview, the 25-year-old admitted he enjoyed getting a rise out of the City crowd, telling Sky Sports: “It’s always good to celebrate in front of away fans. Seeing all of the faces is really funny.”

However, there was speculation that Liverpool's right back could face a backlash from the FA for his actions.

The Mail noted that IFAB Law 12 states that a player 'must be cautioned' for 'gesturing or acting in a provocative, derisory or inflammatory way'.

Despite this, referee Chris Kavanagh opted not to book Alexander-Arnold and the incident was not included in his post-match report.

The Athletic's James Pearce adds that the FA 'aren't even looking into it', clarifying that no further action will be taken despite fears that the Reds right back could face retrospective punishment.

Liverpool have been on the receiving end of retrospective disciplinary action already this season when Virgil van Dijk saw his ban for a red card against Newcastle back in August extended to two games after he was found to have used abusive language towards match officials.

Aside from his celebration, Alexander-Arnold's performance against City hogged the headlines following the game, with Sky pundit Gary Neville declaring that the homegrown Liverpool star could yet become the greatest right back of all time.

READ MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold channels inner Steven Gerrard with Man City performance

Meanwhile, Van Dijk insisted his defensive teammate is the 'complete package'.

The Liverpool captain said: “He offers a lot defensively and, obviously in possession, he has qualities that are very special and he shows that as well, so he has the complete package.

“He has to keep doing what he’s doing, keep improving, keep that high standard he has for himself and we all have for him as well.”