Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has dismissed claims that striker Daniel Sturridge dived to win a penalty in the 3-0 win over Manchester United yesterday.
Referee Mark Clattenburg awarded the Reds their third penalty of the afternoon after Nemanja Vidic was given a second yellow card for a foul on the England international, with television replays showing that there was minimal contact in the incident.
However, Rodgers says that the 24-year-old went to ground "anticipating the contact" rather than with the intention to deliberately deceive the official.
He told Sky Sports: "I think he's anticipating the contact. I think it's one where he's gone over expecting it but he certainly hasn't dived."
Captain Steven Gerrard, who had earlier dispatched two earlier spot-kicks, missed the subsequent penalty and his chance to seal a hat-trick at Old Trafford.
Nevertheless, Luis Suarez was on hand six minutes from the end to cap a memorable win for Rodgers's troops.
The Merseyside outfit moved four points adrift of leaders Chelsea in the Premier League table with a game in hand.
No Data Analysis info
Germany
Switzerland
Hungary
Scotland
Spain
Italy
Croatia
Albania
England
Denmark
Slovenia
Serbia
Austria
France
Netherlands
Poland
Romania
Belgium
Slovakia
Ukraine
Portugal
Turkey
Georgia
Czech Republic