Lanzini to miss West Ham’s League Cup clash with Arsenal

Manuel Lanzini is suspended for the League Cup quarter-final against Arsenal tonight after he was charged with diving to win a penalty against Stoke City in the West Ham United’s 3-0 win on Saturday.

The Argentine midfielder, 24, went down when challenged by Erik Pieters and West Ham captain Mark Noble converted from the spot to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

He is the second Premier League player to be targeted under new rules aimed at stamping out cheating.

Lanzini has until 6pm GMT (10pm UAE) today to respond to the charge, which is officially known as the “successful deception of a match official” – in this case referee Graham Scott.

“I am a bit surprised because of the incident in the game,” West Ham manager David Moyes said. “The referee was 10 yards from the ball with nothing blocking his vision.

“It is clear to see the defender makes an attempt to go for the ball and doesn’t get it. From my point of view, they are going against the referee, whoever the panel were.”

As well as tonight’s League Cup match, Lanzini could also miss a crucial clash with Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday.

Moyes said West Ham were considering whether to appeal, which would be heard by a separate, independent disciplinary commission.

There is no risk of Lanzini’s ban being increased if the charge is upheld.

Introduced this season, a simulation charge only comes when there is clear evidence a player has fooled an official into winning a penalty or getting an opponent sent off.

Last month, Everton striker Oumar Niasse was banned for diving to win a penalty in his side’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.