LIVERPOOL MANAGER BRENDAN RODGERS believes every single club in the Premier League has players who dive.
The 39-year-old says managers should look at their own players first, before accusing the opposing team of going down too easy.
Reds striker Luis Suarez has come under heavy criticism from players and managers in recent weeks for what many see as the Uruguayan’s perennial diving during matches.
Anfield boss Rodgers has hit back at what he sees as a witch hunt against his striker and feels Suarez has been unfairly singled out.
“It is ridiculous to single out one man, because every single club has an issue,” Rodgers told The Mirror.
“You look at last weekend, and two players you would deem to be great professionals, Angel Rangel and Phil Neville, almost above criticism.
“Angel Rangel was booked against Manchester City for diving. I worked with him for two years and he’s one of the most honest, genuine people I’ve come across in my life, but he got booked for diving.
“Phil Neville plays for Everton, he’s 35 and, over the years, you would consider him to be a really honest guy, an impeccable professional, but he gets booked for diving after his manager has read out the riot act to his players, by all accounts, and other club’s players.
“And then you have Fernando Torres booked for diving [and sent off against Manchester United as it was his second caution of the game].
“Managers have criticised Luis, but I can guarantee you they will have players who are criticised for diving.”
Rodgers also said that going down under a challenge does not automatically mean you are a cheat, and that a clash in culture seems to be the problem.
He added: “It doesn’t mean you’re a cheat. People see it as part of the game in other cultures. In Spain and South America, for instance, it’s almost seen as an extension of a striker’s skills.”
