Sunday, October 23, 2011

Dalglish: Luis Suarez Needs Protection From Referees

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish believes Luis Suarez is not getting adequate protection from referees.

Suarez felt aggrieved that decisions were not awarded in his favour during the Reds' 1-1 draw with Norwich - and Dalglish thinks the Uruguayan deserves more respect from referees.

"He needs protection and I don't think he got that out there," said Dalglish.

"His integrity has been called into question and I think maybe he is suffering from that at the moment."

Suarez remonstrated with referee Peter Walton on several occasions, claiming he was manhandled by the Norwich defenders. And Dalglish feels his player's reputation may have gone before him.

Dalglish added: "It is their integrity that needs questioning not his. On the football pitch he is exemplary, a fantastic footballer and we have 100% faith in Luis and the way he conducts himself."

Grant Holt rescued a point for Norwich at Anfield after Craig Bellamy had opened the scoring on his return to the first team.

But, for all their late pressure, Suarez could not inspire Liverpool to victory against a well-organized Norwich side.

"He is a terrific footballer and he's created a lot of chances out there," said Dalglish.

"For 90 minutes he was a thorn in their side he just couldn't finish the chances off."

Liverpool started strongly and threatened to run riot as Norwich struggled to get to grips with the home side, but Paul Lambert's side hung on to frustrate Liverpool.

Dalglish's opposite number was thrilled with his side's display and insisted Norwich deserved to take away a point.

"I am proud of the players to come here and play the way we did - they were fantastic," said Lambert.

"I think in the first half there was a bit of stage fright but in the second we were excellent we played with no fear. I don't think we know how to play any other way, there's players in the dressing room who have been absolutely colossal for us.

Following encouraging displays at Manchester United and Chelsea, Lambert believes his side finally got what they deserved.

"We had chances at Old Trafford and at Stamford Bridge and we lost the games but gave it a go. We were always going to come here and do the same and I think we deserved a point," added the Scot.

"The lads ran themselves into the ground and John Ruddy made a few saves. If we'd have come away with anything less than a win we'd have been disappointed.

"We have been playing well all season and we've always got a goal in us. If we keep doing that then we will win more games than we lose."

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