Rodgers leaps to Suarez’s defence after ‘vilification’ over diving antics

London: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers had leaped to striker Luis Suarez’s defence after he was criticised by Stoke City manager Tony Pulis for his diving antics during their goalless draw at Anfield on Sunday, claiming the striker has been the subject of unjust vilification after more diving allegations were levelled against him.

Rodgers has been angered by Pulis’ comments and claimed that his player was being unfairly singled out for criticism, with other incidents involving different players apparently being overlooked. “As manager of this football club I find it incredible that in nearly all the coverage about Luis Suárez this weekend, very little focus has been placed on the fact that he was the victim of a stamping incident within the first five minutes of the game,” a leading daily quoted Rodgers, as saying. “At this moment there seems to be one set of rules for Luis and another set for everyone else. Diving and simulation is obviously a wider issue in football and one that we all agree has to be eradicated from our game but there were other incidents this weekend that didn’t seem to generate the same coverage,” he added. “No one should be distracted by the real issue here, both at Anfield and at another game played on Sunday, when Luis and another player were hurt in off-the-ball incidents that went unpunished but were caught on TV,” he said. Rodgers added: “I believe some people need to develop a sense of perspective and I also believe in this moment the vilification of Luis is both wrong and unfair. I will continue to protect the values, spirit and people of this great club and game while searching for a consistent level of results in order to make progress on the field.” ANI