LIVERPOOL BOSS Brendan Rodgers believes Luis Suarez is being used as a scapegoat for diving while other offenders get away without punishment.
Rodgers has grown tired of criticism aimed in the Uruguayan’s direction and believes simulation is a problem at ‘all levels’ of the game, with Tottenham winger Gareth Bale booked twice for diving already this season.
And while insisting the issue is something that needs to be prioritised, Rodgers acknowledged that it has become ‘part of the game’ and poses a problem for referees.
“Luis Suarez was held up as the only one that seemed to be doing it,” Rodgers said. ”Whenever many other players were doing it, both British and European, it seemed to go very quiet.
“It’s something that is the responsibility of the players. The managers can only guide and give their opinion to the players. I’ve seen it at all levels — the Premier League, reserve games, youth team games and some kids football.
“You see it now becoming a part of the game but it’s certainly something we want to eradicate. It’s a difficult one for the referees because they are having to make that judgement straight away.”
Rodgers also shared his views on the chaotic scenes at the end of the Manchester derby last weekend, condemning the actions of supporters who threw coins at Manchester United players. But he dismissed the notion of installing nets around the pitch as not the ‘way forward’.
“What happened last week was scandalous — it could have taken out Rio Ferdinand’s eye,” Rodgers said. ”But to go back to what it was years ago or putting nets up, I don’t see that as a way forward. You get one or two mindless people at games and the focus has to be on them. How can we punish them so they never get the chance to do it again, not punish the other 40, 50, 60 thousand people? They are there for the passion and love of the sport.”
