Derby boss Paul Jewell last night accused Liverpool star Andriy Voronin of play-acting after Rams defender Jay McEveley got booked in a controversial challenge with the Ukranian striker.
Jewell and Reds chief Rafa Benitez had to be separated at Pride Park yesterday by the fourth official as the two rival managers squared up to each other over the second-half flashpoint.
With the scores locked at 1-1, Voronin went down theatrically after McEveley was late closing down the forward and Derby's Scottish defender was cautioned in the incident.
"I didn't think he touched him," insisted Jewell. "If he had touched him Voronin wouldn't have got up."
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Benitez played down the episode, concentrating instead on Steven Gerrard's superb form in front of goal.
The Liverpool skipper made it eight goals in 10 games with his late winner.
Benitez says the midfielder is thriving in his favoured central role where he has more responsibility to score.
"We know Gerrard is the type of player who can go from box to box and it is important for us to keep him going forward," he said.
"Gerrard is a key player for us and is the captain and a top-class player. These type of players must be there when you need them and he has been great for us recently."
Jewell added: "We could have nicked it ourselves."
Jewell and Reds chief Rafa Benitez had to be separated at Pride Park yesterday by the fourth official as the two rival managers squared up to each other over the second-half flashpoint.
With the scores locked at 1-1, Voronin went down theatrically after McEveley was late closing down the forward and Derby's Scottish defender was cautioned in the incident.
"I didn't think he touched him," insisted Jewell. "If he had touched him Voronin wouldn't have got up."
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Benitez played down the episode, concentrating instead on Steven Gerrard's superb form in front of goal.
The Liverpool skipper made it eight goals in 10 games with his late winner.
Benitez says the midfielder is thriving in his favoured central role where he has more responsibility to score.
"We know Gerrard is the type of player who can go from box to box and it is important for us to keep him going forward," he said.
"Gerrard is a key player for us and is the captain and a top-class player. These type of players must be there when you need them and he has been great for us recently."
Jewell added: "We could have nicked it ourselves."
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