GARY NEVILLE CLAIMS Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling was right to go down to win a penalty against Stoke at the weekend.
With the score at 2-2, the winger made the most of Marc Wilson’s challenge and earned his side a penalty as a result.
Stoke boss Mark Hughes argued that Sterling went to ground too easily, however Neville defended the player, telling Sky Sports:
“I’m a little cynical about forwards in the sense that I think he’s done exactly the right thing.
“He has cut right across the defender and Wilson put a lazy leg out, whereby you give the forward the opportunity.
“I’m quite calculated about this. For me, if that was an England player in the World Cup — and Raheem Sterling must be in with a shout of going to a World Cup because he’s obviously a talented player in good form — you would want him to do exactly that; commit the defender and win your team the match.”
The former Manchester United full-back and current England coach added:
“I’ve never changed my mind on this. I think when defenders stick those legs out, even though you could potentially argue it was a soft penalty — and it absolutely is — I think he has given the referee a decision to make and has given Sterling the opportunity to cut across him and win that contact.”
Neville’s provocative comments are likely to instigate further debate on diving/going to ground easily — an issue that has already been heavily discussed this season.
YouTube credit: Abuboker Ibrahim
