Trent Alexander-Arnold could face PUNISHMENT from the FA for his celebration after scoring against Manchester City... with the defender branding the reactions 'really funny'

Trent Alexander-Arnold could face disciplinary action from the FA following his goal against Manchester City.

The Liverpool defender scored his side's equalising goal 10 minutes from time at the Etihad on Saturday as two of the favourites for the Premier League title played out a 1-1 draw.

He celebrated the goal in intriguing fashion, standing still in front of home supporters and putting his finger to his lips in a bid to rile up the fans.

He did just that, with photos circulating of the supporters Alexander-Arnold directed his jeers at responding angrily in the background, something the Reds's No 66 later described as 'really funny'.

But FA rules state that players are supposed to be cautioned for such an offence, which the full back wasn't, meaning he could face retrospective action. 

IFAB Law 12 states that a player 'must be cautioned' for 'gesturing or acting in a provocative, derisory or inflammatory way'. Referee Chris Kavanagh decided against showing a yellow card and did not reference the celebration in his post-match report.

There have been a number of incidents in the past where players have had bans introduced or extended due to a breaking of rules, and the same could happen to Alexander-Arnold.

It is unlikely he will be banned, though he could be fined or warned about future behaviour with the referee not noting the conduct.

After the game, Alexander-Arnold said of his celebration: 'It’s always good to celebrate in front of away fans. Seeing all of the faces is really funny.'

The 25-year-old impressed in the game against the defending champions, often stepping into midfield to dictate proceedings when his side had the ball and scoring a fine goal.

And Gary Neville, former Manchester United and England right-back, said Alexander Arnold could become the best to ever play the position, arguing on his Sky Sports podcast: 'His performances on the ball are absolutely out of this world. The difference between me and him is night and day – I can't even relate to what he's doing on the pitch.'

'He's playing in central midfield for 50-60 per cent of it, he's going forward scoring goals, he's setting up goals and assists. He's achieving numbers that right wingers don't achieve.

'He's got the material to be the very best right-back of all time. But he's going to have to be a little bit more serious about his defending because currently he struggles to get into the England team, or he has struggled. He will need to, when Liverpool and England are under the cosh, be able to be a resilient, tough defensive player as well.'