Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Gerrard: Be Fair To Suarez

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has urged referees to be fair to Luis Suarez and not judge him on his reputation.

The Uruguay international was booked for diving during the Reds' draw at Sunderland earlier this month.

He was then denied a penalty by referee Mark Halsey in Sunday's defeat to Manchester United at Anfield despite appearing to be clipped by Jonny Evans in the box.

Gerrard believes the 25-year-old is suffering from the label given to him during a difficult period last season.

"I think even when Luis does get blatant penalties now he doesn't get them," said the skipper.

"It is down to referees to not judge him and give what they see - if it's not a penalty don't give him one but if it's clear give it. It's only fair.

"He was booked at Sunderland but against United it was a penalty."

Reds defender Glen Johnson conceded the match-winning spot-kick at Anfield after Antonio Valencia went down in the area.

He echoed the sentiments of his captain, adding: "Reputations go in front of people at times and because Valencia is not a known diver that is why he got the decision.

"I almost guarantee if it was exactly the same situation and it was Luis and not Valencia then it wouldn't be a penalty."

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