Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has defended striker Luis Suarez after the Uruguayan received criticism for handling the ball against Mansfield Town.

Suarez used his hand to put the ball past Alan Marriott in the Mansfield goal before scoring the winner in Sunday's FA Cup tie.

Fowler believes that the criticism is "laughable" and has said that any blame should be directed at the referee.

"If he has to tell the referee that he handled, do defenders have to go and tell the ref every time they foul a striker? It's laughable, it really is," said Fowler.

"Suarez did nothing wrong and I'm amazed at the reaction. I don't even believe he handled deliberately.

"I think the way he knocked the ball in the net he assumed it would be ruled out, but if there's any criticism, it should be at the referee, not the player."

Liverpool won the game against Mansfield 2-1 to progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup.